Euthanasia and welfare of managed honey bee colonies

Abstract

Euthanasia derives from the Greek terms eu meaning good and thanatos meaning death. The term is used to describe ending the life of an individual animal in a way that minimizes or eliminates pain and distress. When animals are affected by a disease that produces insurmountable suffering or can affect other animal and human individuals or populations, or when animals are no longer fit for their purpose, it can be argued that continuing to live is worse for the animal than death, or is not compatible with animal-related issues in public health. When euthanasia is the option, the animal handling and euthanasia technique adopted should minimize distress experienced by the animal prior to the loss of consciousness, ultimately ending in a loss of brain function. Various euthanasia methods have been recommended for invertebrates, but most have not been properly studied under laboratory conditions with few best practices and guidance available. In the case of certain infectious or parasitic honey bee diseases such as American foulbrood or undesired hybrids like Africanized honey bees, enforcement of restrictive measures is based on existing veterinary regulations and contingency plans at national and international levels. The most severe measure is depopulation consisting of the rapid destruction of a population of animals in response to urgent circumstances, with maximum practicable consideration given to the welfare of the animals. Available options for honey bee euthanasia applicable at the apiary level are presented taking into consideration its implications for honey bee welfare, the protection of operators, and the environment.