2024-09-06 12:35:20
The presence of the small hive beetle (Aethina was swollen) within the hives can lead to the weakening or death of bee colonies. This insect feeds on larvae, honey and bee bread (a naturally fermented mixture of pollen pellets, honey and lactic ferments that bee larvae feed on). It is native to sub-Saharan Africa but has spread across the world, to America, Oceania, Asia and about ten years ago to Europe, in southern Italy. In July 2022, it was detected for the first time in France on the island of La Réunion.
The Bee Pathology Unit of the Sophia Antipolis Laboratory of ANSES, which is the national and European reference laboratory for bee health, carried out a genetic analysis in order to know the geographical origin of the specimens detected in Reunion. The scientists sequenced the genome of two specimens collected on the island at the beginning of the introduction and then compared the results with the available and known genetic sequences of other populations of small hive beetles. They thus showed that the small beetles present on Reunion Island were genetically closer to those present in China and the Philippines than those from Africa, Europe or America. However, it is not because they are part of the same genetic group that the specimens introduced to Reunion Island come from China or the Philippines.. » tempers Véronique Duquesne, deputy head of the national reference laboratory (NRL) for bee health.
It exists Several hypotheses to explain the introduction of the insect on the island : « The small hive beetle is able to move by flying, but in the case of an island, it is more likely that the introduction is linked to human activities, explains the scientist. Several routes of introduction are possible, including the illegal importation of bees or the numerous exchanges linked to maritime transport. » The insect is notably present in Madagascar, as well as in Mauritius since 2017, two territories close to Reunion Island. The small hive beetles of Madagascar are part of another genetic group, including among others specimens originating from Africa. The genetic profile of the beetles present on Mauritius is still being studied.
To complement genetic studies, epidemiological field surveys are also a source of information that can help to understand the origin of the introduction. These surveys aim to identify the possible source of an introduction and to determine its date in collecting a number of elements on the apiary where a case was discoveredsuch as beekeeping practices (exchange of equipment or bees, transhumance, etc.), its location and its immediate environment. At present, epidemiological surveys carried out in Reunion have not made it possible to specify the origin of the introduction.
The eradication strategy deployed locally, which consisted of destroying hives infested by the beetle and prohibiting the movement of hives within a 10-kilometre radius around the detection sites, did not eliminate the insect from the island.
The small hive beetle is not currently present in France or Corsica but has been established in southern Italy since 2014. measures to prevent its arrival in mainland France are in place. In particular, it is prohibited to introduce bees, bumblebees, unprocessed beekeeping products and by-products and beekeeping equipment from infested areas. Compliance with all measures put in place is essential to limit the risk of introduction into the territory. Early detection is essential in order to prevent the parasite from settling in. A regular visual inspection of the bee colonies allows you to react as quickly as possible. In case of suspicion, the relevant Departmental Directorate for the Protection of Populations (DDPP) or the veterinarian who monitors the hives must be alerted as soon as possible.
Learn more
Read the scientific publication on the genetic analysis of the small hive beetle in Reunion
See information from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty on Aethina tumida
Read our opinion on the management strategy for the small hive beetle in Reunion (PDF)
Read our opinion on the assessment of the relevance of continuing the strategy for eradicating the small hive beetle in Réunion (PDF)
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Table of Contents
The Small Hive Beetle: A Threat to Bee Colonies Worldwide
The small hive beetle (Aethina tumida), native to sub-Saharan Africa, is a pest that has been causing significant harm to honey and bumble bee colonies globally. Feeding on pollen, honey, and bee bread, this insect can weaken or even kill bee colonies, posing a significant threat to beekeeping industries and ecosystems.
Global Spread
The small hive beetle has spread from its native Africa to America, Oceania, Asia, and Europe, with the first detection in France on the island of La Réunion in July 2022. Genetic analysis has revealed that the beetles present on Reunion Island are genetically closer to those found in China and the Philippines than those from Africa, Europe, or America [[3]].
Introduction to La Réunion
Several hypotheses have been put forward to explain the introduction of the beetle to the island, including human activities such as illegal bee importation and maritime transport [[2]]. Epidemiological field surveys are also being conducted to identify the possible source of the introduction and determine its date.
Impact on Bee Colonies
The presence of the small hive beetle can lead to the weakening or death of bee colonies. It feeds on larvae, honey, and bee bread, causing significant harm to the colonies. The beetle’s presence can also lead to the destruction of hives and the prohibition of hive movement within a 10-kilometer radius around detection sites.
Prevention and Eradication Measures
Measures have been put in place to prevent the arrival of the small hive beetle in mainland France, including the prohibition of introducing bees, bumblebees, unprocessed beekeeping products, and beekeeping equipment from infested areas [[1]]. Early detection is essential to prevent the parasite from settling in, and regular visual inspections of bee colonies are crucial.
Genetic Analysis
Genetic analysis has played a crucial role in understanding the geographical origin of the small hive beetle. The genetic profile of the beetles present on Mauritius, an island close to La Réunion, is still being studied. In Madagascar, the beetles are part of another genetic group, including specimens originating from Africa.
Conclusion
The small hive beetle is a significant threat to bee colonies worldwide. Understanding its global spread, introduction to new territories, and impact on bee colonies is crucial for developing effective prevention and eradication measures. Beekeepers, researchers, and policymakers must work together to protect bee colonies and prevent the spread of this destructive pest.
References:
<a href="https://www.woah.org/fileadmin/Home/eng/Healthstandards/tahm/2.02.05SMALLHIVEBEETLE.pdf”>[2]
<a href="https://www.anses.fr/en/system/files/GuidelinesSHBsurveillance_EURL.pdf”>[3]
Varroa mite
The Small Hive Beetle: A Threat to Bee Colonies Worldwide
The small hive beetle (Aethina tumida) is a parasitic insect that has been causing significant harm to honey bee colonies globally. Native to sub-Saharan Africa, this beetle has spread to various parts of the world, including America, Oceania, Asia, and Europe. In this article, we will delve into the origins of the small hive beetle, its impact on bee colonies, and the measures being taken to prevent its spread.
Origin and Spread of the Small Hive Beetle
The small hive beetle is believed to have originated in sub-Saharan Africa, where it is an occasional pest in colonies of African subspecies of honey bees [[3]]. However, it has since spread to other parts of the world, including the United States, where it was first detected in 1996 [[2]]. In recent years, it has also been detected in Europe, particularly in southern Italy, and more recently, on the island of Reunion, a French territory in the Indian Ocean.
Impact on Bee Colonies
The presence of the small hive beetle in bee colonies can lead to the weakening or death of the colonies. This insect feeds on larvae, honey, and bee bread, a naturally fermented mixture of pollen pellets, honey, and lactic ferments that bee larvae feed on. The beetle’s feeding habits can lead to the destruction of bee colonies, causing significant losses for beekeepers.
Genetic Analysis of Small Hive Beetles on Reunion Island
In July 2022, the small hive beetle was detected for the first time on Reunion Island. To determine the origin of the specimens detected on the island, the Bee Pathology Unit of the Sophia Antipolis Laboratory of ANSES conducted a genetic analysis. The analysis revealed that the small beetles present on Reunion Island were genetically closer to those present in China and the Philippines than those from Africa, Europe, or America [[1]]. However, it is essential to note that this does not necessarily mean that the specimens introduced to Reunion Island came from China or the Philippines.
Hypotheses for the Introduction of the Small Hive Beetle on Reunion Island
Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the introduction of the small hive beetle on Reunion Island. These include the illegal importation of bees or the numerous exchanges linked to maritime transport. The insect is also present in Madagascar and Mauritius, two territories close to Reunion Island, which may have played a role in its introduction.
Epidemiological Field Surveys
Epidemiological field surveys are also being conducted to understand the origin of the introduction. These surveys aim to identify the possible source of the introduction and determine its date by collecting information on beekeeping practices, the location of the apiary, and its immediate environment.
Eradication Strategy and Prevention Measures
An eradication strategy was deployed locally, which involved destroying hives infested by the beetle and prohibiting the movement of hives within a 10-kilometer radius around the detection sites. However, this strategy did not eliminate the insect from the island. Measures are in place to prevent the arrival of the small hive beetle in mainland France, including prohibiting the introduction of bees, bumblebees, unprocessed beekeeping products and by-products, and beekeeping equipment from infested areas. Compliance with these measures is essential to limit the risk of introduction into the territory. Early detection is also crucial in order to prevent the spread of the small hive beetle.
the small hive beetle is a significant threat to bee colonies worldwide. Its presence can lead to the weakening or death of colonies, causing significant losses for beekeepers. Understanding the origin and spread of this insect is crucial in developing effective strategies for its prevention and eradication. Genetic analysis, epidemiological field surveys, and eradication strategies are all essential tools in the fight against the small hive beetle.
