The main content of this page starts here

Sub-indicator health Indicator honeybee vitality

The health sub-indicator describes the impact of stressors—namely pathogens, parasites, and plant protection product (PPP) residues—on the honey bee. The focus is on the Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) and the bacterial pathogen (Paenibacillus larvae) responsible for American foulbrood (AFB). PPP residues provide insight into honey bees' exposure to various PPPs in agricultural landscapes and represent a potentially significant covariate regarding bee health.