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Veterinary care of honey bees in the UK
Author(s) -
Formato Giovanni,
Comini Antonella,
Giacomelli Alessandra,
Ermenegildi Arianna,
Zilli Romano,
Davis Ivor
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
in practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.211
H-Index - 25
eISSN - 2042-7689
pISSN - 0263-841X
DOI - 10.1136/inp.c5309
Subject(s) - beekeeping , american foulbrood , honey bee , varroa , apiary , veterinary medicine , honey bees , crop , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , medicine , ecology
In recent years, bee colonies worldwide have declined due to a combination of problems, including conditions such as varroosis, nosemosis and foulbrood diseases, and a number of viruses. As well as affecting both honey and wax production, this has also had a significant impact on crop pollination and the environment. Honey bees ( Apis mellifera ) are classified as food‐producing animals but, to date, veterinary surgeons have played only a very modest role within the apiculture industry in the UK. However, the future of honey bee colonies will depend on practitioners working together with beekeepers to limit further losses. This article describes the most important pathogens affecting honey bees and outlines the options for treatment. In particular, it highlights how veterinary surgeons can help to promote and maintain bee health and food safety.