Problemas sanitarios en Apis mellífera en la región sierra del Ecuador.

Abstract

The objective of this bibliographic review was to analyze health problems in the Apis mellifera in the Sierra region of Ecuador. Through a quantitative and descriptive research, several studies were analyzed to determine the causes that influence the bee population decline. A comparison was made between the main diseases affecting beehives due to the different environmental conditions of the Sierra region and those of other countries. The information was obtained from the bibliographic base of 10 years ago: beekeeping cadastres, AGROCALIDAD reports, journals in digital platforms such as Scielo, Redvet and undergraduate and graduate degree works and scientific article of university repositories (ESPOCH, ESPE, UTA, PUCE, USFQ, UNL). The result showed that among the main factors for the population decline of bees in Ecuador is the appearance of parasites and pathogens with 50%, intensive use of pesticides and chemicals 44.5%, and climate change 12.6%. Also, among the main diseases affecting the Ecuadorian highlands are Varroasis and the provinces with the highest level of infestation are Tungurahua and Bolivar with 100%; Nosemosis in Tungurahua and Bolivar 100%; American foulbrood and European foulbrood in the province of Pichincha with 10.41% and 2.08% respectively. Regarding the sanitary management practices in Ecuador, AGROCALIDAD implements GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) which are a set of standards, principles and technical recommendations necessary for the establishment of a farm. It is concluded that sanitary problems in Apis mellifera cause low hive performance, population decrease and mortality, resulting in losses of live material and economic losses. Therefore, it is recommended to have a sanitary management calendar in the apiaries with activities that help in the cleaning, disinfection, control and prevention of diseases.