Abstract:
Current trends in global honeybee population changes have been linked to drastic declines
in honeybee populations caused by complex interactions between pathogens, arthropod
pests such as
Varroa
, pesticides, honeybee stress and habitat loss. Although substantial
information exists for this sudden decline in honeybee populations in Europe and North
America, in Africa the effect of this threat continues to draw debate. Despite recent reports
showing the presence of
V. destructor
mites across the continent, knowledge on pathogens
associated with bees and this mite in various parts of the continent is scanty. This review
provides a comprehensive update on the documented diversity and geographic distribution
of honeybee pathogens and points to the need of further information on these constraints of
honeybee health.