Which disease (C4) ?
Do you recognize this disease? Explain what you see!
- Tubular brood (wax moth)
- European foulbrood
- American foulbrood
- Healthy colony
- Chalkbrood
- Deformed wing virus: DWV
- Nosemosis
View answer
Correct answer: 4 (Healthy colony)
Recognising a healthy colony is just as important – if not more important – than recognising a diseased colony. The basic principle is: when in doubt, contact the inspector.
For Valais, the list of inspectors can be found on the website of the Fédération d’Apiculture du Valais Romand (FAVR): https://www.favr.ch/inspecteurs.
What can the beekeeper do?
It is recommended to strengthen the bees’ natural defences against diseases by applying the principles of good beekeeping practice. Colonies are healthy when they develop well (adult bees and brood), show good hygienic behaviour and achieve good yields. In practice, these are referred to as strong or vital colonies (see cover image). Colony vitality depends on many factors. Beekeepers mainly have the following levers of influence:
- Location with good nectar flow conditions (continuous food supply) and a suitable local climate.
- Regular formation of young colonies and replacement of weak colonies.
- Selection of queens with sufficient vitality traits (colony development, hygienic behaviour).
- Regular renewal of frames.
- Varroa mite control in accordance with regulations – hygiene in the apiary.
- Caution when introducing bees from other locations (diseases!).
- Avoid any importation of bees from regions outside Europe.