The European Union is currently facing a difficult strategic choice in honeybee pest and disease control: should it strive to eradicate exotic diseases, or learn to coexist with these intractable invaders in the long term? This core dilemma is becoming increasingly prominent with the continuous spread of exotic pests and diseases, posing a severe challenge to the European beekeeping industry.

A recent article published in Insect Science delves into the growing conflict between "eradication" and "coexistence" strategies in the EU's management of honeybee pests and diseases.

EU Regulatory Framework and Disease Status

Since 2021, the EU, based on the Animal Health Law and its accompanying regulations, has brought four major honeybee diseases under its regulatory framework, including:

Varroosis (caused by Varroa destructor): Already prevalent in most parts of Europe, with only a few islands remaining mite-free.

Small Hive Beetle infestation (caused by Aethina tumida): Currently confined mainly to southern Italy.

American Foulbrood (caused by Paenibacillus larvae): Continues to occur sporadically in beekeeping worldwide.

Tropilaelaps mite infestation (Tropilaelaps spp.): This mite, originally from Southeast Asia, is spreading westward, having reached Russia, Georgia, and other areas, posing a direct threat to European honeybees.

These diseases are categorized as Class D (measures needed to prevent their introduction or spread across Member States) and Class E (requiring surveillance). Varroosis is additionally listed as Class C (requiring prevention of introduction into disease-free areas or areas with eradication programs). Notably, none of these diseases are categorized as Class A/B, which would require mandatory eradication.

Lessons from Italy's Strategy Shift

The EU-level regulations primarily focus on preventing disease transmission by controlling the movement of bees and bee products, but specific disease management responsibilities are delegated to individual Member States. Italy's experience in dealing with Small Hive Beetle infestations clearly demonstrates a strategic shift from "eradication" to "adaptive management."

In 2014, when the Small Hive Beetle was first discovered in the Calabria region of Italy, the country initially adopted stringent eradication measures, even including the culling of infested bee colonies. However, over time and with the implementation of the Animal Health Law, its strategy gradually shifted to selective culling, and then to "enhanced surveillance + movement restrictions." In 2024, when a new outbreak occurred in Sicily, Italy only initiated regional movement bans, signifying a change in its management philosophy from "complete eradication" to a more flexible and pragmatic "adaptive management."

The Dilemma of Eradication vs. Coexistence

The study indicates that if the Small Hive Beetle or Tropilaelaps mites further spread in Europe, the EU will face a clear strategic choice:

Eradication Strategy: This approach requires robust national legislation, adequate financial compensation, professional veterinary teams, and active cooperation from beekeepers. However, it is costly and extremely difficult to implement.

Coexistence Strategy: While this strategy can reduce short-term control pressure, it necessitates urgent development and approval of new control methods, while also dealing with increased colony losses and disruptions to queen breeding and trade.

The Future's Key: Coordinated Action and Research Investment

Researchers emphasize that regardless of the path the EU chooses, a dynamically updated surveillance system is fundamental. In the long run, coordinated action at the EU level, strengthening biosecurity measures, and increasing investment in scientific research will be crucial for balancing the protection of European honeybee genetic resources with the sustainable development of the beekeeping industry. If action is delayed, irreversible damage to European beekeeping could occur. This strategic game between eradication and coexistence will profoundly impact the future of European beekeeping.