Scientific note on the first report of Varroa destructor in Cameroon

Abstract

The invasive parasitic mite Varroa destructor is among the causes of honey bee colony decline affecting major parts of the world; thus, if varroa is detected in a country, one must notify the authorities (including WHO). This scientific note comments on the first occurrence of the bee pest, Varroa destructor in Cameroon. The investigators suspected the presence of varroa in Cameroon, but had no investigational evidence to support their suspicion. They point out that before they embarked on this task, the origin and economic impact of varroa on the country were unknown. They recommend that, to confirm the spread and scale of varroa infestation (as well as its effect on colony productivity in different regions), close monitoring of honey bee colonies and beekeeping operations in the affected zones, and additional surveillance in the north and extreme north regions of Cameroon, are required. This paper adds to the growing literature on the occurrence of varroa on the African continent. This is an output of the ‘Beneficial and Commercial Insects’ Programme. It is partly funded by the UK Department for International Development, a core donor of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology