An Introduction to Honey Bee Pests and Diseases in OntarioLike all other insects, honey bees (Apis mellifera) are susceptible to pests and diseases, the majority of which are specific to honey bees. These can impact the health of a honey bee colony with effects ranging from minor stress to the death of the colony. Some of these pests and diseases are quite common while others are rarely encountered. It is important for beekeepers to be aware, learn to identify them and effectively manage pests and diseases to maintain healthy colonies. This is particularly important because the health of one beekeeper's colony can impact another beekeeper's colony in the surrounding area. (See below for listing of honey bee pests and diseases in Ontario.)
Images (from left to right): Varroa mites, American foulbrood, honey bee, small hive beetle, honey bee infected with deformed wing virus. ResourcesBeekeepers in Ontario have access to a variety of educational and training resources in apiculture management, with many focussing on pests and diseases. Beekeepers are encouraged to use these resources and adopt an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to managing the long term health of their honey bee colonies. Apiculture Program, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)This program addresses honey bee health issues in Ontario. The provincial apiarist tracks the health of the industry and directs apiary inspectors responsible for inspecting apiaries and monitoring for pests and diseases throughout the province under the Bees Act of Ontario. Before sell honey bees or used beekeeping equipment they are required to have honey bee colonies and/or equipment inspected to validate the health of the material and must receive a permit. This is also required for imports or exports of bees between jurisdictions. The Apiculture Program provides advisory and outreach regarding bee health. For a list of local apiary inspectors see: Ontario Beekeepers' Association (OBA)This organization represents the beekeeping industry in Ontario. It is the largest group of commercial and non-commercial beekeepers in Ontario. The organization provides a variety of programs (research, marketing, etc.) and services to members and non-members. Access the OBA's website at http://www.ontariobee.com/ Technology Transfer Program, Ontario Beekeepers AssociationThis program works directly with beekeepers providing extension, applied research on regional pest management and disease control. A regular series of practical, intensive workshops on introductory beekeeping, integrated pest management and queen production are hosted in various parts of the province from spring to summer. These workshops are highly recommended to beginning and experienced beekeepers alike. The Technology Transfer program gives regular updates on research developments and current best management practices. Access the program on-line at http://techtransfer.ontariobee.com/; email: obatechtransfer@rogers.com or telephone 519-836-3609. Local Beekeeping AssociationsThere are currently 25 regional beekeeping associations across Ontario. These associations provide beekeepers with local information on beekeeping conditions and issues. Associations usually hold monthly meetings with guest speakers and discussion forums. The OBA provides a list of local beekeeping associations at the following link: http://www.ontariobee.com/index.php?action=display&cat=8 Townsend Laboratory for Honey Bee Research (University of Guelph)This laboratory conducts apiculture research in Ontario, addressing issues of honey bee health and pathology with a focus on genetics, biology of honey bee parasites, immunity and behavioural ecology of honey bees. This lab produces scientific research on the fundamentals of apiculture, offers University courses in the field of apiculture and seminars at beekeeper meetings and conferences. A workshop is hosted by the lab every year. For more information visit their webpage at www.uoguelph.ca/ses/content/honey-bee-research-centre/ Wildlife DamageAssistance with wildlife damage is available to beekeepers in Ontario. Table 1. Pests and Diseases of Honey Bees in Ontario
Recommended Reading and Additional Resources
ReferencesGuzman-Novoa E., Eccles L., Calvete Y., McGowan J., Kelly P. and Correa-Benitez A. 2010. Varroa destructor is the main culprit for death and reduced populations of overwintered honey bees in Ontario, Canada. Apidologie. 4 (4) 443-451. ContactPaul Kozak For more information: Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300 E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca
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