Technical assistance and monitoring of apiaries in the departments of Retalhuleu, Suchitepéquez, and Escuintla were carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA) to identify the presence and infestation levels of diseases affecting honey bees (Apis mellifera).
According to MAGA, these efforts are intended to improve colony health and productivity, reduce economic losses, and strengthen the competitiveness of Guatemala’s beekeeping sector.
Nineteen beekeepers received support during this initiative. In total, 22 apiaries and 757 hives were monitored. Additionally, 128 bee samples were collected for laboratory analysis at the Animal Health Laboratory under the Vice Ministry of Agricultural Health and Regulations (VISAR). The analyses aim to diagnose diseases such as Varroa, Nosema, Tracheal Acarosis, Small Hive Beetle (SHB), and European Foulbrood.
The activity was led by the National Beekeeping Health Program (PROSAPI) from VISAR’s Animal Health Directorate within MAGA. This is part of ongoing strategies to enhance producers’ technical capacity and promote early detection of diseases that could impact national honey production.
Producers expressed their willingness to continue participating in these types of monitoring activities and training sessions. “They recognize the importance of the technical support provided by MAGA through PROSAPI,” according to the ministry.
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