Prevalence and intensity of varroosis and nosemosis of honey bees (Apis mellifera) in six regions of the state of Jalisco, Mexico.

Jalisco is one of the main honey bee producing states in Mexico. However, information on the parasitoses that affect the productivity of honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies in the state is limited and addresses only a few regions. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and intensity of two parasitic diseases of Apis mellifera--varroosis (Varroa destructor) and nosemosis (Vairimorpha spp.)--in six regions of Jalisco. Bees from 365 colonies collected during the spring were analyzed. Varroosis was the most frequent parasitosis (90 %), and nosemosis was the least frequent (15 %). The infestation or infection levels of these parasitoses were generally low: <5 % (mites per 100 bees) for varroosis, and <310,000 spores/bee for nosemosis. The regions with the highest prevalence and intensity of V. destructor were the Highlands, the Center, and the South, while infections by Vairimorpha ceranae --the only species of the fungus found-- were significantly higher in the Southeastern and Southern regions. It is advisable to carry out epidemiological studies at other times of the year in order to detect possible seasonal effects of parasitoses for the purpose of designing strategies for their control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]