Abstract:
This experimental and cross-sectional study was conducted in Lalibela National Apiculture
Museum apiary site and surrounding kebeles in Lasta district, Ethiopia with overall objective of
determining existence and prevalence of honeybee pest, particularly Varroa mite and its level of
infestation during the year 2020. For the cross-sectional survey out of the five bordering kebeles,
three kebeles and 100 beekeeper farmers were randomly selected and interviewed using prepared
questioners. A total of 100 colonies were randomly selected from the beekeeper farmer’s apiaries
(38 traditional, 32 transitional and 30 frame hives) and all 57 colonies of the museum that are
hived in different hives (3 traditional, 12 transitional and 42 frame hives) were diagnosed for
varroa and other pests. This study included two main components: The cross-sectional study and
seasonal monitoring of varroa mite. Laboratory diagnosis was conducted according to the OIE
and BEEBOOK standard protocols. The cross-sectional study results have indicated that the
major pests and predators were wax moths, ants, spiders, bee eating birds, honey badger, varroa
mites, lizards, beetles and bee lice were the most prominent once in order of their importance.
Regarding the experimental diagnosis, 157 colonies (57colonies of the museum and 100 colonies
of the beekeeper farmers were examined for the presence of varroa mite within the two main
seasons (during active and dry dearth season 157 same colonies observation were taken
repeatedly).The laboratory diagnosis result confirmed that 137(87.26%) were found positive for
varroa mite. The infestation rate of varroa mite was; 9.461±0.639 and 10.628±0.649 in the
museum apiary and in case of beekeeper farmer’s backyard colony 7.639±0.292 and 6.808±0.296
mites per hundred bees in phoretic and reproductive phases were observed, respectively.
Furthermore, out of the 137 colonies positive for varroa mite 60 (75%)of the colonies from the
beekeepers backyard and 49 (86%)from the museum apiary were infested >5% infestation level
which has corresponded to an economic thresholds level of western honeybees. The explanatory
variables that fit the general linear model: types of management, hive types and season were
associated risk factors for the prevalence of varroa mites as hypothesized. Seasonal monitoring of
varroa positive colonies indicated that phoretic stage varroa infestation level reached its peak
starting from January to May and its reproductive stage from August to November. Finally, it
could be concluded that the occurrence of varroa mite pests were a potential threats to the
Lalibela National Apiculture Museum apiary and the surrounding local honeybees which needs
an urge to devise and implement an appropriate control and prevention measures.