The Incidence of Acarapis woodi and Varroa destructor in Kurdistan Apiaries, Iran

Parasitic mites such as Acarapis woodi and Varroa destructor mite are examples of such threats that can cause a great deal of damage to honey bee populations. The present study was aimed to evaluate the infestation level and prevalence of apiaries and bees colonies with Acarapis woodi and Varroa destructor in Kurdistan province. A total of 100 apiaries were sampled from April to September 2014 and April to September 2015. Samplings were performed and samples were examined to detect the presence of Varroa destructor and Acarapis woodi. The prevalence of Acarapis woodi infestation in apiaries of this region 1% was calculated. In addition, Acarapis woodi infestation rate of hives was 0.26%. Among 100 apiaries, 61% (95% CI, 45.9-76.1) apiculture was infected by varroa mite and 39% not infected. The average value of Varroa destructor in adult bees colonies of Kurdistan apiaries was 7.5% (95% CI, 5.9-9.1). Regarding high rate of infestation and incidence of mites in the apiaries of Kurdistan province, it seems necessary to have a regular control program in order to decrease the rate of infestation in this region.