Acarapisosis is a parasitic disease of bees caused by the varroa mite (Acarapis woodi). The fertilised female mites enter the airways of bees and are spread by contact with live bees. Heavily infested bees fly poorly, may have dislocated wings and die.
In the past, acarapidosis was one of the most dangerous diseases, but its incidence has been suppressed by the control of varroasis.
Acarapidosis is diagnosed by microscopic examination of the respiratory tract. About 30 diseased bees should be sent for examination.
