Health status of honeybee colonies (Apis mellifera) and disease-associated risk factors in different agroecological zones of Southwest Ethiopia.

ABSTRACT

A cross-sectional study design was conducted in different agroecological zones of southwest Ethiopia from October 2019 to October 2021. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors for honeybee diseases and pests, as well as the impact of these issues on honeybee colonies and their products. To identify potential risk factors for honeybee disease and pests, a multivariate random effects logistic regression analysis was used. Adult honeybee and brood samples from a total of 384 honeybee colonies were collected and tested using standard laboratory diagnostic methods. The highest prevalence (55.8%) of ants was recorded, followed by wax moths (22.5%) and hive beetles (23.3%). In the current study, the main honeybee diseases observed in the study areas were varroosis (36.5%), bee lice (5.2%), nosemosis (39.6%), amoeba (56%), and chalkbrood (4.5%). However, tracheal mites, sachbrood, and American and European foul brood, were not detected. The agroecological zone (OR = 5.2, 95% CI 1.75-14.85), type of hive (OR = 2.9, 95% CI 1.17-17.03), management system (OR = 4.3, 95% CI 1.23-14.70), and the management of the colony (OR = 3.5, 95% CI 1.31-9.14) were identified as risk factors for varroosis in these areas. The occurrence of nosemosis in colonies was also influenced by the agroecological zone (OR = 12.2, 95% CI 3.06-48.54) and colony management (OR = 3.4, 95% CI 1.59-7.23). The agroecological zone (OR = 10.5, 95% CI 12.76-22.63) and hive type (OR = 3.0, 95% CI 1.39-6.36) were the primary risk factors for the occurrence of amoeba in honeybee colonies. However, the occurrence of bee lice (OR = 34.7, 95% CI 3.96-104.93) and chalkbrood (OR = 4.8, 95% CI 1.44-13.16) in honeybee colonies was only influenced by the agroecological zone in the study areas. This study demonstrated that losses in honey production in the area are significantly attributed to honeybee disease and pests. Therefore, it is essential to increase public awareness of how honeybee diseases and pests affect honey production and to develop and implement appropriate control measures for these diseases and pests. Furthermore, more studies should be conducted to characterize and isolate other causes of honeybee diseases and pests in various locations.