Affected hosts
- Apis mellifera
- Apis cerana
Infestation by Acarapis woodi
Acarapiosis
Tracheal parasitosis of adult bees caused by the microscopic mite Acarapis woodi, transmitted mainly by direct contact.
Agent
Acarapis woodi
Notifiable in Portugal
Yes
Signs to watch for
Adult bees
- Crawling bees
- Inability to fly
- Wings held in an abnormal position
- Nonspecific respiratory signs
Colony
- Weakening
- Winter or spring mortality
Confirmation and identification
Field observation and monitoring
- Nonspecific signs
Laboratory methods
- Dissection and microscopy of the tracheae
- Molecular methods when available
Control and impact reduction
Good practices
- Avoid moving suspected colonies
- Keep colonies strong
- Follow health guidance
Prevention
- Purchase colonies from controlled sources
- Biosecurity
- Avoid drift and mixing of material
Ongoing monitoring
Indicators
- Microscopy result
- Adult mortality
- Flight capacity
Recommended frequency
- When compatible signs are present or as part of health programs