Honey bee winter mortality in France in 1999 and 2000

During the winters of 1998–1999 and 1999–2000, 41 apiaries from various regions of France that experienced severe bee mortality were examined for diseases and poisoning. In more than 76% of the apiaries one or several serious diseases, known to be able to totally destroy colonies, were present. Whether or not these diseases are the primary cause of winter mortality in France, the study indicates that the application of classical management methods for preventing diseases and treating well-known pathogens remains necessary and beneficial.