LIMANGAN, RACHELLE C.

DVM 5
VM 179

SYNTHESIS PAPER ON BEEKEPING PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

Bees are essential pollinators that play a significant role in the ecosystems and
agriculture of our world. They are critical for ensuring the reproduction of various crops,
including fruits, vegetables, and nuts, which form an integral part of a nutritious diet.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, the global agricultural industry
heavily relies on bees to support approximately 75% of its food crops. Additionally, bees
contribute greatly to biodiversity and ecosystem health by facilitating the reproduction of
numerous plant species, thereby supporting diverse animal populations. The decline in
bee populations could have far-reaching consequences for entire ecosystems.
Moreover, bees make substantial contributions to the global economy through revenue
generated from commercial honey production and beekeeping activities. Indirectly, they
also promote environmental stewardship by preserving natural habitats and
encouraging sustainable farming practices. A comprehensive understanding of bees is
crucial in effectively addressing challenges related to their conservation efforts while
promoting improved pollination strategies.
The issue of honey bee colony losses has become a prominent and urgent
matter with wide-ranging consequences for agriculture, ecosystems, and food security.
The honey bee species, Apis mellifera, plays a crucial role as a pollinator for numerous
crops and wild plants, making it an indispensable contributor to both global food
production and biodiversity. Nevertheless, over the past few years, there have been
notable declines in honey bee populations attributed to various factors. The research by
Sánchez‐Bayo and Goka (2016) examine the detrimental effects of pesticides on honey
bees. Pesticides, particularly neonicotinoids and pyrethroids, have been associated with
sublethal impacts such as impaired foraging behavior, weakened immune response,
and compromised navigation abilities. Neonicotinoids can impact honey bees in several
ways. They can impair the foraging behavior of bees, making it more difficult for them to
locate food sources. These pesticides can also interfere with the navigation abilities of
bees, affecting their ability to return to their hives. Furthermore, neonicotinoids have
been found to weaken the immune system of honey bees, making them more
susceptible to diseases and other stressors. The detrimental effects of neonicotinoids
on bee health have raised concerns about the long-term survival of honey bee colonies.
Many countries and regions have implemented restrictions or bans on the use of these
pesticides in order to protect bee populations and promote their overall well-being.
Moreover, pesticides can contaminate nectar and pollen sources, thereby increasing
bees' exposure to toxic substances (Goulson, D. 2013). Haddad (2020) mentioned in
his study in the Middle East about the risk posed by unrestricted use of pesticides in
agriculture which can make honey bee populations more susceptible to viruses and
diseases. Meanwhile, Hristov discusses in his mini-review the wider causes of honey
bee colony decline. These causes include different types of stressors such as diseases,
parasites, inadequate nutrition, loss of habitats, and the effects of climate change.
Colonies that are stressed are more vulnerable to diseases, and a lack of proper
nutrition makes them even weaker. In addition to these factors, the actions taken by
beekeepers and how they manage their colonies are also important for the survival of
the bees.
These variety of difficulties are made worse by habitat loss and climate change.
Changes in land use, urbanization, and the expansion of monoculture farming have
indeed resulted in a reduction in forage diversity for honey bees. Foraging is a crucial
activity for honey bees, as they rely on a varied diet to obtain the necessary nutrients for
their survival and well-being. This reduction in forage diversity limits their access to
nutritious food sources, ultimately weakening honey bee colonies. When land is
converted for urban development or monoculture farming, the natural habitats and
diverse plant species that honey bees rely on for foraging are often lost. This loss of
forage diversity can have a negative impact on the long-term health and nutrition of
honey bee colonies. Altered weather patterns and extreme events, driven by climate
change, can disrupt bee foraging and colony behavior. Extended periods of extreme
heat or cold can stress bees and reduce their productivity ((IPBES, 2016).)
On a regional context of Asia and Ethiopia and the Middle East, a much clearer
picture of a worldwide situation can be seen from the studies of Chantawannakul and
Solomon which highlights bee health challenges. The study by Chantawannakul
focuses on the Asian region and sheds information on the myriad parasites and
pathogens that damage honeybees there. Several viruses including the infamous
Varroa destructor mite are among them. It emphasizes how important early discovery
and good management strategies are in lessening the effects of these parasites.
Solomon's research focuses on the parasitic ailments that impact honeybees in
Southern Ethiopia's Kaffa Zone. Although the region may not have the same
environmental and ecological conditions as Asia, parasitic concerns nonetheless exist
there. Pests like Varroa destructor, Nosema spp., and a number of viruses are
mentioned in the report as being major problems in the area.
A commonality between these geographically disparate regions is that, the bees
are not exempted from pests, parasites and pathogens. The Varroa destructor mite is a
parasitic mite that feeds on the bodily fluids of honey bees, weakening them and making
them more susceptible to diseases. The mites can also transmit various viruses, further
compromising the health of the colony. If left unmanaged, Varroa mite infestations can
lead to the collapse of honey bee colonies. On the other hand, Nosema parasite,
specifically Nosema ceranae, is a microsporidian parasite that infects the intestinal tract
of honey bees. This parasite can cause digestive problems, hinder the bees' ability to
absorb nutrients, and reduce their overall lifespan. Nosema ceranae has been
associated with colony losses worldwide and is a major concern for beekeepers.
Chantawannakul and Solomon emphasize the significance of taking regional
context into account when creating bee health management methods. Due to
differences in the temperature, beekeeping techniques, and parasite incidence, what
works in one area may not be readily applicable to another. In order to effectively
combat parasitic threats, local expertise and adaptation are essential. To mitigate the
impact of these parasites, proper management practices and early detection are crucial.
Beekeepers can employ various strategies, such as using chemical treatments or
implementing integrated pest management techniques, to control Varroa mites.
Additionally, maintaining good hygiene practices and providing a healthy environment
for bees can help reduce the risk of Nosema infections.
The Middle East is an important region for agriculture and biodiversity, and honey bee
pollination is essential to the region's ability to produce food. However, there have been
a number of dangers to honey bee populations in this area, including viruses, illnesses,
and management issues. The study of Haddad (2010) demonstrates the prevalence of
several honey bee viruses in the Middle East, including Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus
(IAPV), Sacbrood Virus (SBV), and Deformed Wing Virus (DWV). These viruses have
been connected to CCD, colony depopulation, and impaired bee immune systems. In
addition to this, climate variations in the region like temperature swings, dry spells, and
unpredictable rainfall patterns can all contribute to the spread of illnesses like
chalkbrood and Nosema ceranae, which further jeopardizes colony health. The study
also explores a possible links between the occurrence of colony collapse disorder
(CCD) and bee losses in the Middle East, viral infections, illnesses, and hive
management techniques and found out that the combined effect of these factors on bee
health is obvious, despite the lack of a definite cause and effect relationship. This study
explains the intricate system of variables that affect honey bee health in the Middle
East.
In conclusion, we are able to develop a more comprehensive picture of the
various risks that these important pollinators face by looking at these researches that
underlines the fact that honeybee populations confront parasite problems on a global
scale. Successful bee health management programs must take into account both
regional differences and global trends, placing a strong emphasis on the importance of
cooperation, research, and knowledge-sharing to safeguard honeybee populations all
over the world. The value of proactive hive management, environmentally friendly
farming methods, and raised awareness should be emphasized to protect honey bee
populations, which are crucial for both local ecosystems and the world's food security. A
comprehensive strategy is required to guarantee the honey bees' long-term existence
and the essential ecosystem services they offer. This strategy should include more
stringent pesticide laws, habitat preservation, better beekeeping techniques, and
ongoing research to better comprehend and lessen the consequences of these
elements when they combine to affect honey bee health and colony survival.

References:
Chantawannakul, P., De Guzman, L., Li, J., & Williams, G. R. (2015). Parasites,
pathogens, and pests of honeybees in Asia. Apidologie, 47(3), 301–324.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13592-015-0407-5
Goulson, D. (2013). An overview of the environmental risks posed by neonicotinoid
insecticides. Journal of Applied Ecology, 50(4), 977-987.
Haddad, N. (2010). HONEY BEE VIRUSES, DISEASES AND HIVE MANAGEMENT IN
THE MIDDLE EAST AND THEIR RELATION TO THE COLONY COLLAPSE
DISORDER AND BEE LOSSES. Retrieved from
https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/143498
Hristov, P., Shumkova, R., Palova, N., & Neov, B. (2020). Factors Associated with
Honey Bee Colony Losses: A Mini-Review. Veterinary Sciences, 7(4), 166.
https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci7040166
Potts, S.G., et al. (2016). Safeguarding pollinators and their values to human well-being.
Nature, 540(7632), 220-229. Retrieved from:
https://www.nature.com/articles/nature20588
Rosenkranz, P., Aumeier, P., & Ziegelmann, B. (2010). Biology and control of Varroa
destructor. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, 103, S96-S119.
Sánchez‐Bayo, F., & Goka, K. (2016a). Impacts of pesticides on honey bees. In InTech
eBooks. https://doi.org/10.5772/62487
Solomon, S., Degu, T., Fesseha, H., & Mathewos, M. (2021). Study on major parasitic
diseases of adult honeybees in three districts of Kaffa Zone, southern Ethiopia.
Veterinary Medicine International, 2021, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6346703