For the past decades, European beekeepers have been reporting weakening bee numbers and colony losses. Reasons for the decline are multifaceted, and probably interlinked. They include: Invasive species such as the yellow-legged
hornet (Vespa velutina), introduced into Europe from Asia in 2004, representing a direct threat to already stressed western honeybee populations (Monceau, Bonnard and Thiéry, 2014). As well as preying upon honeybees, the hornet
prevents honeybees from foraging by hovering in front of beehives, and has been shown to be an important contributor to winter colony collapse among western honeybees in France (Requier et al., 2019). In addition, Varroa destructor, a mite that first appeared in the 1960s in Eastern Europe, and can wipe out entire bee colonies when left untreated Viral, bacterial and parasitic diseases and fungi, including foulbrood disease (AFB), European foulbrood (EFB) and nosemosis (particularly N. ceranae), Pesticides (especially neonicotinoids) when used irresponsibly, and intensive agriculture production systems, Not enough veterinary medicines are available for bees, so bee keepers have to resort to unauthorised products. These include medicines sold without prescription or proper advice on their use, which can cause residue in honey. Given the huge importance of bees, Europe must address these problems urgently – or face disaster!