CURRENT EPIZOOTIC SITUATION OF ASCOSPHAEROSIS IN BEEKEEPING: EVIDENCE FROM WEST KAZAKHSTAN
АРА ШАРУАШЫЛЫҒЫНДАҒЫ АСКОСФЕРОЗДЫҢ ҚАЗІРГІ ЭПИЗООТИЯЛЫҚ ЖАҒДАЙЫ: БАТЫС ҚАЗАҚСТАННАН АЛЫНҒАН ДӘЛЕЛДЕР
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52578/2305-9397-2025-3-1-47-55%20Ключевые слова:
Ascosphaerosis, Пчелиные колонии, Меловой расплод, Микроскопическая диагностика, Западный КазахстанАннотация
This study investigates the prevalence, clinical manifestations, and laboratory diagnosis of ascosphaerosis (Ascosphaera apis), a fungal disease that affects honey bee (Apis mellifera) larvae and significantly reduces colony productivity. Fieldwork was carried out during the spring and summer of 2025 across 30 apiaries in various districts of the West Kazakhstan region. In each apiary, clinical symptoms within bee colonies were assessed, and microscopic examinations were conducted on samples of mummified larvae, comb, and bee bread (perga).
The results demonstrated that increasing levels of infection were associated with a marked reduction in both the average colony mass and foraging activity. In colonies with severe (Level III) infection, foraging activity declined by up to 68.9%. Microscopic analysis revealed the highest detection rate of Ascosphaera apis in mummified larvae (90.3%), followed by comb samples (73.1%) and perga (57.1%).
These findings confirm that ascosphaerosis represents a significant threat to apiculture in Kazakhstan. Effective disease prevention requires early diagnosis, implementation of veterinary and sanitary measures, the selection of genetically resistant bee strains, and the maintenance of favorable environmental conditions for bee colonies. The results provide a valuable scientific basis for promoting the sustainable development of apiculture and ensuring the production of ecologically safe bee products.
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