Robert Owen in a research essay published by the Journal of Economic Entomology linked above suggests that human activity is a key driver in the spread of pathogens affecting the European honey bee (Apis mellifera). These include:
Regular, large-scale and loosely-regulated movement of bee colonies for commercial pollination. (For instance, in February 2016 alone, of the 2.66 million managed bee colonies in the United States, 1.8 million were transported to California for almond crop pollination.)
Carelessness in the application of Integrated Pest Management principles leading to overuse of pesticides and antibiotics, resulting in increased resistance to them among honey bee parasites and pathogens such as the Varroa destructor mite and the American Foul Brood bacterium (Paenibacillus larvae).
The international trade in honey bees and honey bee products has enabled the global spread of pathogens such as Varroa destructor, tracheal mite (Acarapis woodi), Nosema, small hive beetle (Aethina tumida), and the fungal disease chalkbrood (Ascosphaera apis).
Lack of skill and dedication among hobbyist beekeepers to adequately inspect and manage colonies for disease.
Owen offers several suggestions for changes in human behavior to improve honey bee health, including:
Stronger regulations both of global transport of honey bees and bee products and of migratory beekeeping practices within countries for commercial pollination.
Greater adherence to Integrated Pest Management practices among both commercial and hobbyist beekeepers.
Increased education of beekeepers on pathogen management (perhaps requiring such education for registration as a beekeeper). Deeper support networks for hobby beekeepers, aided by scientists, beekeeping associations and government.
He concludes: “The problems facing honey bees today are complex and will not be easy to mitigate. The role of inappropriate human action in the spread of pathogens and the resulting high numbers of colony losses needs to be brought into the fore of management and policy decisions if we are to reduce colony losses to acceptable levels.”
Based on the above, the case for what is being called “apicentric” beekeeping is gaining more following. This looks at specific issues surrounding beehive design, which includes top bar beekeeping, horizontal hives, and writings of researchers such as Dr. John Kefuss. Two books that those interested in the subject should pursue are Honey Bee Democracy and The Buzz About Bees.
