Tropilaelaps mites are statutorily notifiable in the EU and infestation with Tropilaelaps spp. is subject to surveillance within the EU (see https://sitesv2.anses.fr/en/minisite/abeilles/leaflet-tropilaelaps-spp-beekeepers). BeeGuards continue to raise awareness among the beekeeping and scientific communities, as well as national and international authorities including the EU Commission. As our post suggests, our experts are currently studying Tropilaelaps and intensifying research in Georgia and China. In addition, we alerted beekeepers about this damaging mite with an informative leaflet translated into eight languages (https://beeguards.eu/downloads/), and in cooperation with Apimondia, we organised a specific Webinar to share knowledge on mite biology and improve preparedness (see https://youtu.be/K-yRRHLROdc?si=rF7kXUZNlyzlnyZl).
BeeGuards published work on mite detection techniques has led to changes in national and EU surveillance protocols for Tropilaelaps mites, as well as the beekeeping practice:
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0301880
Earlier this year, the www.tropilaelaps.info website was launched as the most comprehensive online, free-of-charge repository of Tropilaelaps-related scientific and popular articles and media.
In short, BeeGuards is committed to preparing the EU Beekeeping sector and helping the community to counter the negative consequences of a Tropilaelaps invasion across the continent. Stay tuned for more information that will follow!