Honeybee health in Africa - a review

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Authors

Pirk, Christian Walter Werner
Strauss, Ursula
Yusuf, Abdullahi Ahmed
Demares, Fabien J.
Human, Hannelie

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Springer

Abstract

Honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) pathogens and parasites and the negative effects thereof on honeybee populations remain an issue of public concern and the subject of active research. Africa with its high genetic diversity of honeybee sub-species and large wild population is also exposed to various factors responsible for colony losses in other parts of the world. Apart from the current American foulbrood epidemic in theWestern Cape of South Africa, no large-scale colony losses have been reported elsewhere on the continent. We discuss the presence of pathogens, parasites, pests and predators of African honeybees as well as the threats they face in relation to habitat changes arising from the impact of increased human populations. In addition, we discuss current efforts aimed at protecting and promoting the health of African honeybees.

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Keywords

Africa, Honeybee health, Pathogens, Parasites, Pests, Predators, Habitat loss, Honeybee (Apis mellifera)

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Citation

Pirk, CWW, Strauss, U, Yusuf, AA, Demares, F & Human, H 2016, 'Honeybee health in Africa - a review', Apidologie, vol. 47, pp. 276-300, doi:10.1007/s13592-015-0406-6.