Ecological and evolutionary approaches to managing honeybee disease

• Published in: Nature ecology & evolution Vol. 1; no. 9; pp. 1250 - 1262
• Main Authors: Brosi, Berry J., Delaplane, Keith S., Boots, Michael, de Roode, Jacobus C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 01-09-2017; Nature Publishing Group
• Subjects: 631/158/1469; 631/181; 706/1143; Agricultural management; Animals; Apiculture; Apis mellifera; Beekeeping; Bees; Bees - microbiology; Bees - parasitology; Biological and Physical Anthropology; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Disease control; Dynamics; Ecology; Evolution; Evolutionary Biology; Host-Parasite Interactions; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Life Sciences; Paleontology; Parasites; Principles; Review; Review Article; Threat evaluation; Zoology
• ISSN: 2397-334X; 2397-334X
• DOI: 10.1038/s41559-017-0246-z

Honeybee declines are a serious threat to global agricultural security and productivity. Although multiple factors contribute to these declines, parasites are a key driver. Disease problems in honeybees have intensified in recent years, despite increasing attention to addressing them. Here we argue that we must focus on the principles of disease ecology and evolution to understand disease dynamics, assess the severity of disease threats, and control these threats via honeybee management. We cover the ecological context of honeybee disease, including both host and parasite factors driving current transmission dynamics, and then discuss evolutionary dynamics including how beekeeping management practices may drive selection for more virulent parasites. We then outline how ecological and evolutionary principles can guide disease mitigation in honeybees, including several practical management suggestions for addressing short- and long-term disease dynamics and consequences.
Multiple interacting factors have contributed to the rapid decline of honeybee populations worldwide. Here, the authors review the impact of parasites and pathogens, and how ecological and evolutionary principles can guide management practices.