Conducting an International, Exploratory Survey to Collect Data on Honey Bee Disease Management and Control

The Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana (IZSLT) and the International Federation of Beekeepers' Associations (Apimondia) set up a worldwide survey in 2015-2017 to gather information on beekeepers' perceptions concerning good beekeeping practices, the main honey bee diseases, and the technical assistance they receive. The on-line dissemination of the survey was facilitated by the Technologies and Practices for Small Agricultural Producers platform (TECA) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). In total, 248 questionnaires were received from the European region and the results are reported here. Varroosis remains the biggest concern and is the most important reason for beekeepers' use of veterinary medicines. However, a sustainable approach to managing Varroa was detected. American foulbrood (AFB) and European foulbrood (EFB) infections are mainly managed through the shook swarm technique or burning the hives. Concerning technical assistance for disease management, beekeepers were mainly supported by their associations or expert beekeepers. Relevant data were collected and analyzed but information from many low-income countries in Africa or Asia is still missing, and more efforts are needed to fill the knowledge gaps.

Automated summary

The survey conducted by IZSLT and Apimondia in 2015-2017 collected information on beekeepers' perceptions on good beekeeping practices and main honey bee diseases. Results showed that Varroosis is still the biggest concern for beekeepers, but a sustainable approach to managing Varroa was detected. Technical assistance for disease management is mainly provided by associations or expert beekeepers.