VARROOSIS OF HONEY BEES: CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS, DIAGNOSIS, AND MODERN APPROACHES TO TREATMENT
VARROOSIS OF HONEY BEES: CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS, DIAGNOSIS, AND MODERN APPROACHES TO TREATMENT
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52578/2305-9397-2025-4-1-176-184Ключевые слова:
varroosis, honey bees, varroa destructor, diagnosis, clinical signs, treatment, control measuresАннотация
Varroa mites, caused by the Varroa jacobsoni mite, are one of the most common and dangerous diseases affecting honey bees, leading to reduced productivity and weakening of bee colonies. The aim of this study was to investigate the epizootic situation of varroatosis in the West Kazakhstan region, determine the degree of infestation of bee colonies, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and preventive measures.
The study was conducted at a commercial apiary containing 25 Carpathian bee colonies, as well as in the veterinary laboratory of the West Kazakhstan Agricultural University named after Zhangir Khan between 2024 and 2025. The subjects of the study were adult bees, drones, queens, bee and drone brood, bee podmor, and waste products. Diagnosis was based on clinical examination of bee colonies, laboratory analysis using a stereomicroscope (×10–40), and treatment with phenothiazine to determine the degree of infestation. The results showed that the source of infection was unhealthy colonies and swarms, with the mites spreading through imago and brood. The degree of infestation varied: at low infestation (up to 2 mites per 100 bees), the changes were minimal; at medium infestation (up to 4 mites), there was a decrease in productivity and weakening of colonies by winter; at high infestation (more than 4 mites), mass brood mortality, bee deformation, and a high risk of colony loss were observed.
Treatment with phenothiazine, formic acid, and removal of drone brood (biotechnical method) reduced the level of infestation but did not lead to complete destruction of the parasite. Formic acid was most effective at temperatures above 15°C, especially when combined with regular preventive measures (removal of drone brood, sanitary treatment of hives, and replacement of combs).
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