News

From 17 to 20 August 2026, FGBI “ARRIAH” specialists took part in the international hands-on workshop on monitoring and control of the Tropilaelaps emerging honeybee mite, held in Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan.

The event was supported by the international organization APIMONDIA and hosted by the Kazakh Research Institute of Livestock and Fodder Production. It brought together over 40 specialists and scientific experts from the EAEU, CIS, Southeast Asia, and Europe.

The main focus of the workshop was the spread, diagnosis, and control of Tropilaelaps mites—one of the most significant threats to honeybee health. Participants discussed modern approaches to monitoring infestations, the parasite's life cycle, laboratory diagnostic methods, and prevention measures. Research findings on the animal disease situation in Eurasia were also presented.

FGBI “ARRIAH” specialists took part in discussions on the risk of introducing bee diseases through imports of bee packages and queens into the Russian Federation and EAEU member states. Participants paid particular attention to sampling, laboratory testing in line with WOAH recommendations, and response measures to be taken by veterinary services should an infestation be detected.

A representative of the WOAH Reference Laboratory for Bee Health (ANSES, France) delivered a presentation on international requirements for the diagnosis and notification of infestations, zoning, and conditions for the transportation of bee colonies, bee packages, queens, honey, and beekeeping equipment.

An important part of the workshop was a hands-on training session at a quarantine apiary, where participants practiced methods for detecting, identifying, and differentiating Tropilaelaps mite infestations, as well as viral diseases of honey bees. The session allowed specialists to enhance their skills in apiary inspection, veterinary and sanitary status assessment, and application of modern disease control methods—all of which are essential for improving inspection and diagnostic practices.

In conclusion, participants emphasized the need for continued international cooperation on monitoring the spread of Tropilaelaps mites, developing effective diagnostic methods, and improving control measures against this infestation.