This note presents an update of the geographical distribution and spread of Tropilaelaps spp. mites, parasites of bees and exotic in the European Union (EU) as of 24 July 2025. It follows the previous state of play from March 2025. The map of the worldwide geographical distribution of Tropilaelaps spp. was updated accordingly (Figure 1).

The presence of Tropilaelaps spp. is suspected in Belarus and Crimea region (Figures 2 & 3).

 

Description

 

• Suspected presence in Belarus

During the Belarusian scientific congress of the Vitebsk State Academy of Veterinary Medicine (VSAVM) of 15 and 16 May 2025, a study conducted in the Vitebsk district of Belarus to identify different pests of honey bees was presented. Inspection of 173 bee colonies was performed in apiaries in 2023 and 2024. During apiary inspection, Tropilaelaps spp. specimens were retrieved in 19.54% of cases (Goryachev and Kuzmich, 2025).

 

• Suspected presence in Crimea

In 2023, a study was conducted in the Belogorsk district of Crimea. The objective was to confirm introduction of Varroa destructor and Tropilaelaps spp. in Crimea. One apiary was selected and 249 larvae were sampled. Mites from both species were found (16 mites of V. destructor and 150 mites of Tropilaelaps spp.). This study was published in a Russian scientific journal (Khokhlova, 2023).

 

Discussion

 

These two suspicions have neither been confirmed by official analyses, nor have been notified to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and no data have been published in international peer-reviewed scientific journals. Thus, this information should be considered with caution.

 

In addition, these data do not allow for an accurate description of the epidemiological situation in the affected territories. Most of them do not originate from official surveillance systems but rather from scientific projects focusing on one or a few apiaries. Their objective is neither to assess the prevalence of Tropilaelaps spp. nor its spread.

 

However, the potential spread of Tropilaelaps in regions neighbouring the EU constitutes an increasingly serious threat to the European beekeeping sector (Figure 3).

 

Both sources reported the presence of the mite in 2023 increasing the risk of introduction into the EU in the context of imports of bees from territories considered “officially free” of Tropilaelaps mites but geographically close to infested areas, or involving commercial or "beekeeping" links with infested areas. This calls for increased vigilance regarding movements of bees and beekeeping material, which are rapid spread routes for the parasite. Regulations on entry into the EU and movements between Member States make it possible to limit the risk of introduction.

 

The early detection of any possible introduction is essential to attempt eradication and prevent the mite establishment. Tropilaelaps spp. mites can no longer be eradicated once it is well established.

 

In case of suspicion, competent authorities must be warned as soon as possible. All suspect Tropilaelaps mite specimens should be immediately sent to the national reference laboratory and/or to the competent authority for confirmation and implementation of appropriate surveillance and control measures. A leaflet on Tropilaelaps spp. to raise awareness among beekeepers is available on the website.

 

 

Please click on the figure to access the map with a higher resolution.

Figure 1 Worldwide geographical distribution of the two species of Tropilaelaps spp. observed in A. mellifera (T. clareae and T. mercedesae).

Confirmed presence: the presence of Tropilaelaps spp. has been officially reported to the WOAH and/or documented in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. Suspected presence: the presence of Tropilaelaps has neither been officially reported to the WOAH nor published in a peer-reviewed journal. Instead, the information comes from informal sources such as beekeeping association websites, communications with scientists from affected countries, local media reports, or scientific publications in non–peer-reviewed journals.

 

 

Please click on the figure to access the map with a higher resolution.

Figure 2 Geographical distribution of T. clareae and T. mercedesae in Asia and Europe, including newly confirmed detections since 2016 (as of 24 July 2025).

Confirmed presence: the presence of Tropilaelaps spp. has been officially reported to the WOAH and/or documented in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. Suspected presence: the presence of Tropilaelaps spp. has neither been officially reported to the WOAH nor published in a peer-reviewed journal. Instead, the information comes from informal sources such as beekeeping association websites, communications with scientists from affected countries, local media reports, or scientific publications in non–peer-reviewed journals.

 

 

Please click on the figure to access the map with a higher resolution.

Figure 3 Geographical distribution of Tropilaelaps spp. in territories close to the European continent as of 24 July 2025.

Confirmed presence: the presence of Tropilaelaps spp. has been officially reported to the WOAH and/or documented in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. Suspected presence: the presence of Tropilaelaps spp. has neither been officially reported to the WOAH nor published in a peer-reviewed journal. Instead, the information comes from informal sources such as beekeeping association websites, communications with scientists from affected countries, local media reports, or scientific publications in non–peer-reviewed journals.

 

Sources for Figures 1, 2 & 3: Anderson and Morgan 2007, Brandorf et al. 2024, Chantawannakul et al. 2016, de Guzman et al. 2017, Goryachev and Kuzmich 2025, Janashia et al. 2024, Joharchi and Stolbova 2024, Khokhlova 2023, Mohamadzade Namin et al. 2024, Sammataro et al. 2000, WOAH event notifications (WAHIS-WOAH consulted on 24 July 2025), information on the website of a local media outlet (regarding Azerbaijan) and personal communications with the Anses laboratory in Sophia Antipolis (regarding Iran and Tajikistan).

 

References

Anderson, D. L.  and M. J. Morgan. 2007. "Genetic and morphological variation of bee-parasitic Tropilaelaps mites (Acari: Laelapidae): New and re-defined species." Experimental and Applied Acarology 43 (1): 1-24. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10493-007-9103-0.

 

Brandorf, Anna, Marija M. Ivoilova, Orlando Yañez, Peter Neumann and Victoria Soroker. 2024. "First report of established mite populations, Tropilaelaps mercedesae, in Europe." Journal of Apicultural Research: 1-3. https://doi.org/10.1080/00218839.2024.2343976.

 

Chantawannakul, P., L. I. de Guzman, J. Li and G. R. Williams. 2016. "Parasites, pathogens, and pests of honeybees in Asia." Apidologie 47 (3): 301-324. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13592-015-0407-5.

 

de Guzman, L. I., G. R. Williams, K. Khongphinitbunjong and P. Chantawannakul. 2017. "Ecology, Life History, and Management of Tropilaelaps Mites." Journal of economic entomology 110 (2): 319-332. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/tow304.

 

Goryachev D.S. and Kuzmich E.G. 2025. “Pests of honey bees in the Belarusian Lakeside Region”. Proceedings of an international scientific and practical conference for students, MScs, PhDs and young scientists, Vitebsk VGAVM 15-16 may 2025. (see pdf page 32)

 

Janashia, Irakli, Aleksandar Uzunov, Chao Chen, Cecilia Costa and Giovanni Cilia. 2024. "First report on Tropilaelaps mercedesae presence in Georgia: The mite is heading westward!" Journal of Apicultural Science. https://doi.org/10.2478/jas-2024-0010.

 

Joharchi, O. and V. V. Stolbova. 2024. "The first report on the ectoparasitic genus Tropilaelaps (Acari: Mesostigmata: Laelapidae) in Russia." Persian Journal of Acarology 13 (3): 513-516. https://www.biotaxa.org/pja/article/view/85545.

 

Khokhlova О. 2023. “Infestation of Apis mellifera by ectoparasites Varroa destructor and Tropilaelaps in the Crimea” Internauka 42 312:17–19. (see pdf)

 

Mohamadzade Namin, Saeed, Omid Joharchi, Sunil Aryal, Ratna Thapa, Sun-Ho Kwon, Boymakhmat A. Kakhramanov and Chuleui Jung. 2024. "Exploring genetic variation and phylogenetic patterns of Tropilaelaps mercedesae (Mesostigmata: Laelapidae) populations in Asia." Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2024.1275995.

 

Sammataro, D., U. Gerson and G. Needham. 2000. "Parasitic mites of honey bees: life history, implications, and impact." Annu Rev Entomol 45: 519-48. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.ento.45.1.519.

 

World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). Consulted on 24/07/2025. World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS): https://wahis.woah.org/#/home.

An inter-laboratory proficiency test is being organized to assess the performance and conformity of laboratories in detecting Paenibacillus larvae and Melissococcus plutonius, the causative agents of American and European foulbrood in honeybees.

Objectives:

To evaluate the accuracy and reliability of results provided by participating laboratories in the detection of these pathogens.

 

Diagnostic Methods Assessed:

• Microscopy
• Conventional and/or real-time PCR
• Bacterial culture

 

Test Matrix:

Crushed bee larvae

 

Provisional Timeline:

• Registration deadline: 30 May 2025
• Sample distribution: June 2025

 

Eligibility Criteria:

Participation in this PT is mandatory for NRLs  from EU Member States, in accordance with their area of competence. Failure to participate may constitute a breach of regulatory obligations.

Participation by other laboratories, including NRLs from Non-EU or third countries, may be considered; however, it is subject to feasibility and specific conditions.

Please note: Laboratories outside the mandatory participation framework that wish to take part in the external performance evaluation are kindly invited to consult the "PT Presentation Sheet" on the LEILA online platform or contact us at eurl.bee@anses.fr for further information.

 

Important Note:

Registration is now available through the LEILA online platform, accessible via the following link: https://leila.anses.fr (Reference: PLMP25EU).

The 15^th annual workshop will be held at ANSES Sophia Antipolis (France) on Wednesday 15^th October 2025. The EURL will welcome the representatives of the European and Third-Country NRLs. The annual workshop is the opportunity for the NRL network to exchange, to receive news from the partners and to give information on the activities run during the year.

More information to come. Stay tuned!