As commercial beekeepers in the USA inspect their bees after winter in preparation to transport over 90% of the nation’s managed honey bees to pollinate California almonds, they are discovering alarming colony losses. These losses are severe, broad, and may impact food security through inadequate pollination services. Survey results are still accumulating (deadline was Feb 14th of two surveys, one from USDA the other from Project Apis mellifera, but information gathered from 234 beekeepers found average recent losses well over 50%, with a combined financial loss of over $139M. Overall seasonal losses puts many beekeepers at a loss rate of 70%-100% over the past 12 months.
The symptoms of loss are reminiscent of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) conditions which occurred in 2007-2008 when colonies rapidly collapsed. During recent inspections by field scientists, deceased colonies often died with ample honey stores, leaving small patches of brood, with most or all the adult bees missing. Another symptom has been the rapid dwindling of surviving colonies, often within ten days of passing health inspections. Most concerning the usual causes of loss, including winter management and high levels of parasitic mites, are not currently indicated causes of these losses.
We begin assessing overwinter losses of PNW beekeepers in mid-March. We ask all beekeepers whether you had losses or total success to join in this Oregon/Washington centered survey. Address to enter your spring survival data is: https://pnwhoneybeesurvey.com/survey This year I have management questions in fast track option so you need only enter survival/loss data to complete your annual survey, now in the 16th year. Survey is open to all beekeepers from backyard to commercials.
by Dewey M. Caron, Communications and Content Specialist for the Oregon Master Beekeeper Program