From field to formal report: sample and data stewardship practices to enhance the utility of publications on pests and pathogens of Western honey bees (Apis mellifera L.)

Publication Type

Journal Article

Journal Name

Journal of Apicultural Research

Name of Author

• James D. Ellis, University of Florida
• Mohamed Alburaki, USDA ARS Beltsville Agricultural Research Center
• Maria Bouga, Agricultural University of Athens
• Neloy Kumar Chakroborty, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology
• Samir M. Kadri, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho"
• Irfan Kandemir, Ankara Üniversitesi
• Ashley N. Mortensen, Bioeconomy Science Institute
• Beatrice T. Nganso, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi
• Victoria Soroker
• Guntima Suwannapong, Burapha University

Publication Date

1-1-2026

Abstract

Western honey bees host a suite of pests and pathogens that compromise individual bee and whole colony health. The utility of formal reports conveying data concerning honey bee pests and pathogens is often limited by inconsistencies in the technical information documented and provided. Here, we outline best practices for data stewardship, from field to publication, that one should follow when discussing honey bee pests and pathogens in formal reports. Including this information will improve the utility of formal reports in which biotic threats to honey bees are discussed.

Keywords

Clinical signs, COLOSS, detection, intensity, location, prevalence, standard protocols, world honey bee health

Recommended Citation

Ellis, J., Alburaki, M., Bouga, M., Chakroborty, N., Kadri, S., Kandemir, I., Mortensen, A., Nganso, B., Soroker, V., & Suwannapong, G. (2026). From field to formal report: sample and data stewardship practices to enhance the utility of publications on pests and pathogens of Western honey bees (Apis mellifera L.). Journal of Apicultural Research https://doi.org/10.1080/00218839.2026.2647562