> Europe has the second-highest number of managed honey bee colonies worldwide at 25.4 million (FAO, 2021). This includes data from 33 countries with a total landmass of 21.7 km 2 and equates to a density of 1.2 managed colonies/km 2 which is over four times higher than the average wild colony density reported in Europe. 

> This suggests that a smaller proportion of colonies are subject to natural selection in Europe and that beekeeper management plays a more prominent role in the survival of both managed and wild colonies. For instance, the widespread use of veterinary treatments by beekeepers in Europe might help keep levels of pests and disease low enough for both managed and wild colonies to survive — Visick & Ratnieks, 2023

These statements parallel the idea that pesticide free farms can succeed when surrounded by farms where pests are controlled, and unvaccinated people can remain healthy when the community as a whole is vaccinated and carrying "herd immunity." On the flip side, whole populations can be wiped out if they are challenged by a pathogen for which they have no defense.

PLB

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