In recent years, there has been a consistent decline in bee colony numbers in the northern and…

In recent years, there has been a consistent decline in bee colony numbers in the northern and northwestern regions of the country. Deteriorating foraging conditions, the artificial relocation of southern bee breeds to northern areas, hybridization of the middle Russian breed, and the spread of bee diseases have pushed beekeeping in these regions to the brink of survival. The most prevalent disease is varroatosis, which affects the bees' ability to gather food. Even minor infestations can reduce productivity, weaken colonies, and lead to their death, often occurring outside the apiary. Weakened colonies are vulnerable to stronger ones, resulting in either death or abandonment of infested hives.