Severe Bee Losses in Germany:
Somewhat Expected and Not at All Mysterious

Last year's news about severe bee losses in the USA not only scared beekeepers but the public too. In spring 2007, beekeepers' associations and bee institutes could still give an all-clear signal, because everything was ok in Germany after overwintering. But this spring things look different!
Already in early summer of 2007, the bee institutes warned against possible danger and asked the beekeepers to treat their bee colonies in time against Varroa infestation. Because of the relatively warm winter in 2006/2007, Varroa mite populations had started to grow earlier than usual. Actual data confirmed these concerns. According to conservative estimates by the Working Group of the Bee Research Institutions, around 30% of the colonies in Germany could have died. Things don't look better in Austria, Italy and Switzerland. Five years ago, some beekeepers lost everything; however, others lost nothing. Similar to prior losses, southern regions seem to be mainly affected.
more!

Honey bee diseases and pests: a practical guide
by Wolfgang Ritter and Pongthep Akratanakul

This practical guide to honey bee diseases and pests is the revised edition of “Honey bee diseases and enemies in Asia”, published by FAO in 1987 as Agricultural Services Bulletin No. 68/5, and has been prepared under the auspices of the FAO programme on “Enhancing Food Quality and Safety by Strengthening Handling, Processing and Marketing in the Food Chain”.The publication is further evidence of the continuing endeavours of FAO to promotebeekeeping in developing countries as a low-cost means of improving local diets, increasingrural industry and purchasing power and diversifying sources of foreign exchange.

Click booklet for download