Health status, sanitary gaps, and management practices in honey bee colonies within a tropical production system in...

Honey bees are essential livestock for pollination and agricultural sustainability, but their health and productivity in tropical regions remain incompletely documented. This study assessed the sanitary and productive status of managed honey bee colonies in the Cauca Department, Colombia, using a One Health approach. A total of 77 apiaries were monitored across two seasons to evaluate management practices, colony strength, sanitary deficiencies, Varroa mites' infestation rates, and the presence of pesticide residues in bee bread. Beekeeping in the territory was predominantly small-scale and family-based, with modest honey yields (20 kg per colony each year), limited adoption of good management practices, and absence of professional veterinary diagnosis of bee diseases. Field inspections revealed frequent sanitary gaps (i.e., poorly conditioned hives, presence of pests and predators, inadequate comb renewal, and signs of brood disorders), as well as high prevalence and infestation rates by Varroa mites. Additionally, around 27% of bee bread samples contained residues of fungicides or insecticides, indicating poor traceability in the agricultural and beekeeping production chain in the region. These results highlight critical issues that compromise colony health, increase sanitary risks, and reduce productivity within tropical small-scale production systems. Strengthening training programs, promoting evidence-based management, and improving diagnostic capacities under a One Health approach are essential steps toward sustainable development of beekeeping in Colombia.