Stachurska-Hagen Teresa, Al-Touama Zainab, Dahle Bjørn, Robertson Lucy J
Parasitology Lab, Department for Food Safety and Infection Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Adamstuen Campus, PO Box 8146 Dep., 0033 Oslo, Norway.
Norwegian Beekeepers Association, Dyrskuevegen 20, 2040 Kløfta, Norway; Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 5003, 1403 Ås, Norway.
Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports. 2018 Jan;11:49-54. doi: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2017.11.006. Epub 2017 Nov 16.
The tracheal mite, Acarapis woodi, may be one of many factors contributing to the decline in honey bee (Apis mellifera) populations. Databases on the widespread distribution of A. woodi exist, but the data seem patchy. Norway is not listed as being infested, although there have been at least two separate introductions of the parasite. Investigations in 2003, 2006, and 2009 using standard microscopy methods indicated persistence of A. woodi in honey bees in this region. In 2013, we conducted another survey. Samples were sent in from 335 beehives belonging to 39 apiaries, and all were asked to complete a questionnaire. Analysis for A. woodi in the submitted samples was by PCR, with sequencing of positive results. The results described in this article indicate that this parasite still persists in some apiaries in this region, but at a low, and possibly decreasing, level, with positive results obtained from just two (5.1%) of the apiaries. Of the 17 beekeepers that answered the questionnaire, none reported symptoms of infestation with A. woodi. Sequencing of PCR products indicated a difference between the two A. woodi isolates. Our results were generally encouraging regarding the apparent lack of spread of A. woodi, within the County. Furthermore, the sequencing results may indicate two separate introductions rather than spread. Nevertheless, the scarcity of data, the vulnerability of honey bee populations globally, and the potential contribution of this parasite to reduced survival, indicate that the situation should be continued to be monitored. In addition, Norwegian beekeepers should be made aware of, and follow, restrictions regarding import and transport of bees, both nationally and internationally.
气管螨，武氏蜂盾螨（Acarapis woodi），可能是导致蜜蜂（西方蜜蜂，Apis mellifera）种群数量下降的众多因素之一。关于武氏蜂盾螨广泛分布的数据库是存在的，但数据似乎并不完整。挪威未被列为受侵染地区，尽管该寄生虫至少有两次独立传入。2003年、2006年和2009年使用标准显微镜方法进行的调查表明，该地区蜜蜂体内存在武氏蜂盾螨。2013年，我们进行了另一项调查。从39个养蜂场的335个蜂箱中采集了样本，并要求所有养蜂场填写一份问卷。对提交样本中的武氏蜂盾螨进行PCR分析，并对阳性结果进行测序。本文所述结果表明，这种寄生虫在该地区的一些养蜂场中仍然存在，但处于较低水平，且可能在下降，仅从两个（5.1%）养蜂场获得了阳性结果。在回答问卷的17位养蜂人中，没有人报告有武氏蜂盾螨侵染的症状。PCR产物的测序表明，两种武氏蜂盾螨分离株之间存在差异。关于武氏蜂盾螨在该县内明显缺乏传播这一点，我们的结果总体上令人鼓舞。此外，测序结果可能表明是两次独立传入而非传播。然而，数据的稀缺、全球蜜蜂种群的脆弱性以及这种寄生虫对降低蜜蜂存活率的潜在影响，表明应继续监测这种情况。此外，应让挪威养蜂人了解并遵守国内和国际关于蜜蜂进口和运输的限制规定。
