Varroasis

Our accredited laboratory provides a diagnosis of varroasis based on the detection and identification of Varroa destructor in the brood (flotation method), on the brood or on the bees (macroscopic examination).

Samples should be sent packaged according to the instructions below. Print the test forms from the CIS (Central Information System) or use the application form available for download below.

Testing for varroasis according to the METHODS FOR ANIMAL HEALTH CONTROL AND DIRECT VACCINATION

Description

Varroasis is currently the most serious disease of bees, caused by the parasitic mite Varroa destructor (formerly known as V. jacobsoni) This mite is native to India, but affects bees on almost all continents. It first appeared in the Czech Republic in 1978. It feeds on the haemolymph of larvae, pupae and adult bees and can also transmit other infectious diseases by sucking. The fertilised females (visible even to the naked eye) enter the brood cell just before pupation, lay eggs and the whole development takes place. When the worker or tube hatches, the female and her offspring are released. This can be repeated up to 7 times per female.

In more severe infestations, bees with incompletely developed wings, buttocks and stunted legs emerge and are carried by workers to the front of the hive, where they die. In more severe infestations, the pupae die. In combination with other negative factors, varroasis causes a gradual weakening of the colony, which can lead to its death.

Varroasis is spread by the movement of diseased colonies, by the moulting of drones and workers, by swarming, or by robbing healthy bees in infected colonies.

Every beekeeper is obliged to take winter samples from all colonies in all locations in the Czech Republic by 15 February of each year and submit them for testing for varroasis. If more than 3 mites are found on average per colony, the colonies must be treated according to the current methodological guidelines.

Download

Typ souboru Název Velikost
Application for bee's testing 0,1 MB Stáhnout
Application for bee's testing 0,3 MB Stáhnout