The mortality of bee colonies is now a major concern for beekeepers. Viruses, bacteria, parasites and environmental imbalances can weaken hives and lead to the collapse of swarms.
To better understand these phenomena, the laboratory IODOLAB offers PathoBee, a qPCR analysis that identifies and quantifies the main pathogens present in a hive.
The objective is simple: to know the health status of the bees in order to act preventively, strengthen their resistance and limit colony mortality.
Understanding the Causes of Bee Mortality
Multiple factors behind colony decline
The disappearance of bees is often attributed solely to pesticides. However, the reality is more complex. Colonies are exposed to a multitude of factors :
- viruses
- bacteria
- parasites
- fungi
- environmental stresses
With globalization and the exchange of swarms between regions or countries, these pathogens circulate more widely and combine, creating new health challenges for beekeeping.
Pathogens : an often invisible threat
Bees can harbor viruses or bacteria without immediately showing visible symptoms. However, these agents can modify their behavior and disrupt the organization of the colony :
- disorganization of tasks in the hive
- decreased resistance to infections
- general weakening of the colony
Ultimately, these disturbances can lead to the collapse of the hive.
A preventive approach to protect colonies
Moving from curative beekeeping to preventive beekeeping
Traditionally, health approaches in agriculture are often curative: a disease is treated once it appears.
The approach proposed here is different. It is based on anticipation and prevention: identifying the pathogens present in the hive before their impact becomes critical.
Strengthening the immune system of bees
Work carried out by the veterinarian and beekeeper Gilles Grosmond shows that a better understanding of the health status of hives makes it possible to act upstream.
By adapting feeding and supporting the immunity of bees before winter, it is possible to :
- improve their resistance to viruses and bacteria
- reduce winter mortality
- promote the survival of colonies until spring
PathoBee : PCR analysis to monitor bee health
A qPCR analysis carried out in the laboratory
PathoBee is a qPCR analysis (quantitative PCR) carried out in the IODOLAB laboratory.
This technology makes it possible to :
- detect the presence of pathogens
- measure their quantity
- establish a real health diagnosis of the hive
The results obtained provide beekeepers with a clear view of the health situation of their colonies.
Targeted pathogens
The PathoBee analysis makes it possible to detect several major bee pathogens, including :
- Nosema apis
- Nosema ceranae
- Paenibacillus larvae subsp. larvae
As well as several viruses :
- Acute Paralysis Virus
- Black Queen Cell Virus
- Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus
- Deformed Wing Virus (DWV-A)
- Kashmir Bee Virus
- Sacbrood Bee Virus
- Slow Bee Paralysis Virus
- Varroa Destructor Virus 1 (DWV-B)
Other pathogens are also gradually being integrated into the analysis, including :
- Crithidia mellificae
- Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus
This analysis therefore makes it possible to know precisely which pathogens are present in a hive and in what quantity.
Why analyzing your hives improves apiary management
Understanding how colonies function
Not all viruses or bacteria present in a hive are necessarily pathogenic. However, they can influence the behavior of bees and modify the balance of the colony.
Having a health diagnosis therefore makes it possible to better understand what is happening in the hive and to adapt beekeeping management.
Preventing colony collapse
A weakened hive can quickly disappear if several factors accumulate. Thanks to PCR analysis, it becomes possible to :
- identify a health risk
- intervene earlier
- limit the spread of infections
Improving apiary profitability
A healthy apiary is also more productive. Conversely, the loss of a swarm leads to :
- replacement costs
- a drop in production
- a risk of introducing new pathogens when purchasing swarms
Knowing the health status of hives therefore helps secure production and the profitability of the beekeeping operation.
An innovation recognized for beekeeping
The PathoBee analysis, associated with nutritional solutions to support bee health, was awarded at the Sommet d’Or 2023.
This recognition highlights the growing interest in preventive approaches in beekeeping and in diagnostic tools that improve the health management of apiaries.
