Bees for Development Journal 122 March 2017
Photo © Rau/Oberursel
is the frequent migration, swarming and absconding of African honey bee races. Moreover, in African beekeeping methods, honeycombs, which beetles can damage, are not stockpiled. Therefore, the Small hive beetle is a problem in Africa only when bees are kept in oversized hives - like most frame hives.
Spreading bee diseases must be prevented
In comparison with an adult Apis mellifera bee, the wandering Small hive beetle larvae is the same size, while the adult beetle is only two thirds of the length spread in ways similar to Varroa, although we still do not know why Tropilaelaps mites have only partially left their original range on their new host Apis mellifera. The difficult way of transfer via adult bees, and the mites’ susceptibility to brood-free phases in a bee colony, could be reasons.
Small hive beetle damages only weak colonies and honey stores Another pest is not so easy to classify into the general scheme of diseases. The Small hive beetle, Aethina tumida, is often classified as a pest but it can undoubtedly be regarded also as a predator. Originally this beetle was exclusively spread in sub-Saharan Africa. African bees actively defend themselves against the beetle. Since at least 1996 the Small hive beetle has been carried to
new continents by global trade. There it has spread via bees, or independently on its own wings. It is difficult to diagnose the beetle in the bee colony. After opening the hive, the beetle immediately runs to the dark. Special traps have been developed in which the beetle can hide from the bees: these make it easy to identify a newly-beginning infestation. In most cases, the beetle is detected only when its larvae appear in huge numbers and ferment the food, which makes honey leak out of the cells. However, this only happens in very weak colonies or in honeycomb stores. Therefore, this beetle will cause only limited damage to colonies, but is a real pest in honey storage. The native host of this beetle, the African honey bee races, are able to keep the beetle population at a low level: one important defence mechanism
Good bee news from Uganda
Bee health problems have increased mainly because of the constant import of new diseases. The introduction of diseases via bees can be inhibited by strict import controls or bans on importation of bees. Despite this, there is still the risk of importing diseases by land, because of the movement and drifting of bees and swarms, and by sea due to wild swarms, for example in containers. The biggest problem worldwide, is caused by the fact that in veterinary medicine, honey bees are not everywhere regarded as livestock, and consequently are given insufficient attention at national frontiers. In addition to illegal imports, there are also uncontrolled imports. This is a worldwide problem.
Conclusion Honey bee disease control has to consider management methods and environmental conditions. Local honey bee races and local management systems cause fewer disease problems. To have healthy honey bees in the future, we must end this global spreading of diseases. Dr Wolfgang Ritter Bees for the World Germany wolfgang.ritter@beesfortheworld.de
TUNADO’s Director is working with the Agriculture Sector Skills Council to develop an accredited standard for beekeeper trainers in Uganda.
Bees for Development has been working with Uganda’s beekeeping sector for twenty years, working with many inspirational beekeepers and organisations.
Bees for Development’s current focus is to support Mount Elgon Women’s’ Honey Hub – a marketing initiative for women beekeepers. There are many challenges to selling honey, with price just one factor. Women beekeepers are challenged to travel far to market and too often lack confidence to negotiate with honey traders. The Women’s Honey Hub offers a local, safe, and trustworthy outlet where they know they will sell their honey at a fair price without hassle!
TUNADO (The Uganda National Apiculture Development Organisation) is Uganda’s national association - a membership organisation for the whole country. We heard this week the exciting news – that TUNADO is securing their own dedicated premises. This means that TUNADO will be able to grow and develop as an information and advocacy service for all Uganda’s beekeepers. 10
