Diagnostic Survey of Honeybee Diseases, Pests, and Predators in East Hararghe Zone of Oromia, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in the East Hararghe Zone of the Oromia Regional State to determine the occurrence, prevalence, and effects associated with honeybee diseases, pests, and predators. Three districts were purposefully selected, representing three agro-ecological zones (highland, midland, and lowland). Within each district, three peasant associations (PAs) were selected. From each PA, at least three apiaries were randomly chosen for the assessment. For each apiary, colonies were inspected for the clinical symptoms of honeybee diseases and pests. A total of 162 honeybee colonies were randomly sampled from the apiaries of 90 beekeepers who participated in the questionnaire survey. The samples were examined in the laboratory to determine the presence or absence of diseases and pests. The results indicated that the occurrence of honeybee diseases and pests varied with hive type and agro-ecological zone. The use of pesticides and herbicides, as well as bee forages, was identified as the primary cause of the decrease in bee colonies and honey yields in the area. The diagnostic results revealed no clinical symptoms of AFB or EFB infection in any of the studied areas. However, a considerable number of honeybee colonies were infested with Varroa mites, Nosema, amoeba, and chalk brood diseases, and traditional beehives showed a higher prevalence of Nosema, amoeba, Varroa mites, and bee lice compared to modern beehives. The highland area had a higher prevalence of Nosema and amoeba, whereas the lowland area had the highest prevalence of Varroa mite and bee lice. The current results indicated that hive type and agroecology contributed to the varying levels of disease and pest prevalence in a given area. Thus, raising awareness of proper agrochemical use, encouraging adoption of modern beekeeping technologies, and implementing disease management strategies to safeguard the well-being of honeybee colonies are important.