An Evidence-based rationale for a North American commercial bumble bee clean stock certification program

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Entomology
• Agriculture

Background:

• Commercial bumble bee use for crop pollination is expanding globally.
• Pathogen spillover from managed to wild pollinators is a significant concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To recommend a disease risk mitigation program for commercial bumble bee production.
• To provide best management practices for rearing clean commercial bumble bee stock.

Main Methods:

• Review of current commercial bumble bee rearing practices.
• Identification of disease transmission pathways.
• Development of a clean stock program framework.

Main Results:

• Commercial bumble bee production can harbor and transmit pathogens.
• A structured clean stock program is essential for disease mitigation.
• Best practices should encompass rearing, wax, pollen, and nesting materials.

Conclusions:

• Implementing a clean stock program reduces disease risk to wild pollinators.
• Mitigating disease in managed bees supports broader pollinator health.
• Standardized best management practices are crucial for sustainable commercial bee production.