A Case Report of Chronic Stress in Honey Bee Colonies Induced by Pathogens and Acaricide Residues

In this case report, we analyze the possible causes of the poor health status of a professional Apis mellifera iberiensis apiary located in Gajanejos (Guadalajara, Spain). Several factors that potentially favor colony collapse were identified, including Nosema ceranae infection, alone or in combinat...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Alonso Prados, Elena, González-Porto, Amelia V., Bernal, José Luis, Bernal, José, Martín-Hernández, Raquel, Higes, Mariano
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2021
País:España
Institución:Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
Repositorio:DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC
OAI Identifier:oai:digital.csic.es:10261/265342
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10261/265342
https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85112600088
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Apis mellifera
Nosema ceranae
Varroa destructor
Acaricides
Bee viruses
Coumaphos
Honey bees
Pesticides
Tau-fluvalinate
Toxic unit
Descripción
Sumario:In this case report, we analyze the possible causes of the poor health status of a professional Apis mellifera iberiensis apiary located in Gajanejos (Guadalajara, Spain). Several factors that potentially favor colony collapse were identified, including Nosema ceranae infection, alone or in combination with other factors (e.g., BQCV and DWV infection), and the accumulation of acaricides commonly used to control Varroa destructor in the beebread (coumaphos and tau-fluvalinate). Based on the levels of residues, the average toxic unit estimated for the apiary suggests a possible increase in vulnerability to infection by N. ceranae due to the presence of high levels of acaricides and the unusual climatic conditions of the year of the collapse event. These data highlight the importance of evaluating these factors in future monitoring programs, as well as the need to adopt adequate preventive measures as part of national and international welfare programs aimed at guaranteeing the health and fitness of bees.