Reduced parasite burden in feral honeybee colonies

Abstract Bee parasites are the main threat to apiculture and since many parasite taxa can spill over from honeybees ( Apis mellifera ) other bee species, honeybee disease management is important for pollinator conservation in general. It unknown whether that escaped apiaries (i.e. feral colonies) benefit natural parasite‐reducing mechanisms like swarming or suffer high pressure due lack of medical treatment. In latter case, they could function as reservoirs pose a risk health managed (spillback) wild bees (spillover). We compared occurrence 18 microparasites among N = 74) 64) colony samples four regions Germany using qPCR. distinguished five types representing differences age histories, two variables potentially modulating prevalence. Besides strong regional variation communities, burden was consistently lower than colonies. The overall number detected per 15% Trypanosomatidae, chronic paralysis virus, deformed wing viruses A B were less prevalent abundant colonies Parasite lowest newly founded colonies, intermediate overwintered nucleus highest hived swarms. Our study confirms hypothesis mode reproduction dispersal by temporally reduces honeybees. conclude unlikely contribute significantly spread diseases. There no conflict between wild‐living diseases apiculture.