Risk management in primary apicultural production. Part 1: bee health and disease prevention and associated best practices

Abstract

Prompted by FAO/WHO's and the European Commission's recognition that documents on Good Farming Practices (GFPs) and Good Veterinary Practices (GVPs) in apicultural production are hardly available, part 1 of this contribution provides an update of current apicultural production and associated best practices to ensure animal and public health. Major bee health and disease prevention issues and risk management options at the primary production level are summarised with particular reference to the role of the veterinary practitioner/consultant and the official veterinarian in a control function in the safe production of honey.

Keywords:

• apiculture
• bee health
• bee disease prevention
• GFPs
• GVPs

Acknowledgements

Dr Jane Richardson (EFSA, Parma, Italy) and Dr Ivor Davis (past President of the British Beekeeping Association) are gratefully acknowledged for their useful comments on this study.