Diseases of Honeybee (Apis mellifera)

Abstract

Honeybees, important pollinators crucial for ecosystem health, are susceptible to a range of bacterial, fungal, and viral diseases that pose significant threats to their colonies. Bacterial diseases include American Foulbrood (AFB) caused by Paenibacillus larvae and European Foulbrood (EFB) caused by Melissococcus plutonius. AFB results in the death of honeybee larvae and the production of spores that contaminate the hive, while EFB primarily affects young larvae. Fungal diseases like chalkbrood are caused by Ascosphaera apis, Chalkbrood transforms larvae into chalk-like mummies Nosemosis is caused by two pathogenic spores Nosema apis, and Nosema ceranae, which infects the midgut of adult honeybees and viral diseases such as Deformed Wing Virus (DWV), Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (IAPV), and Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus (CBPV) further weaken honeybee colonies, DWV and IAPV lead to deformed wings and premature death, and CBPV causes shivering hair loss, and paralysis. To manage these diseases, beekeepers employ various strategies including Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques, genetic selection for resistance, antibiotic treatments, and maintaining healthy hive conditions. Continued research, monitoring, and education are crucial for effective disease prevention and control, as well as the preservation of honeybee populations and the essential ecosystem services they provide.