Diagnostic Survey of Honey Bee Diseases and Pests Around Yayu Forest Biosphere, Ilu-Abbabor, Oromia Region

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Ilu-Abbabor Zone, Yayu Forest biosphere, from 2023 to 2024. The study was aimed at determining the current prevalence and associated risk factors of honey bee diseases and pests. A total sample of 131 adult worker honey bees and brood were collected and analyzed at the laboratory of veterinary at the Yayu and Hurumu districts. The chi-square test was used to identify the potential risk factors, and descriptive statistics like frequency, percentages, mean, and SE were also used to determine prevalence and infestation levels. The most frequently detected honey bee diseases and pests were amoeba (63.4%), nosema (51.1%), small hive beetle (64.1%), Varroa mites in adult bees (80.9%) and brood (48.5%), wax moth (56.5%), and bee lice (24.4%). However, tracheal mite, chalk brood, AFB, and EFB were not detected. In this study, locations hive types, and seasons were identified as risk factors. Therefore, beekeepers should be informed regarding the factors affecting the prevalence of diseases and pests, including locations, seasons, and hive types with management systems. Future research should focus on the effects of these pathogens and pests on honey bees and the economic loss caused by these pathogens and pests in the study area.