Veterinary Science & Technology

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Bee Lice in Holeta and its Suroundings, Ethiopia

Abstract

Gizachew Gemechu, Sefinew Alemu, Amssalu Bezabeh and Malede Berhan

A cross sectional study was carried out to determine prevalence of bee lice, and to find out associated risk factors in Holeta and its surroundings, West-Shoa zone of Oromia region. Of 385 bee colonies examined, overall prevalence of 42% lice infestation was observed. The highest prevalence (70.8%) of bee lice was observed in Gemechis, followed by Holeta (50%), while the lowest prevalence (17.1%) was observed in Jaldu. Prevalence of lice observed in bees kept in apiary management system (50.4%) had statistically significant difference (P<0.05) to those bees kept in backyard (37.9%). Higher prevalence of bee lice observed in medium altitude areas (50.4%), was not statistically significant (P>0.05) to that of highland areas (40.4%). In conclusion, different level of prevalence of bee lice was observed among the different study sites, between medium land and high altitude areas, between apiary and backyard management system, and between types of hives. Therefore, bee keepers should be informed
regarding factors affecting occurrence of bee lice, including altitude, management system, and type of hives to control bee lice in their hives. Further study on the distribution and magnitude, and financial impact of bee lice was suggested.