According to information from Argentina's National Institute of Agricultural Technology…

According to information from Argentina's National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), an international study has identified the Varroa destructor mite as the primary health threat to beehives in Latin America. It emphasizes the need to strengthen monitoring systems for early detection of pests and diseases affecting bees. The research, involving INTA specialists, compiles decades of data on the health status of honeybee populations in the region and was published in Apidologie, a scientific journal focused on bee and apiculture research. The INTA reports that annual colony losses in various Latin American countries range from 20% to 50%, with Varroa destructor remaining a significant challenge for beekeeping. This ectoparasite impacts both the productivity and survival of bees, alongside other health threats like the microsporidian Nosema ceranae and various viruses, including the deformed wing virus.