Use of beehive products in veterinary clinical practice: A cross-sectional study for apitherapy investigation in Southern Italy

Background: Bee products are recognized for their medicinal properties and are utilized in veterinary practice, yet there is a paucity of systematic data on their specific applications and validated clinical outcomes. Aim: This study aimed to assess the patterns of use and perceived efficacy of beehive products among veterinarians in Southern Italy and to evaluate the acceptance of such treatments by animal owners. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2023 and January 2024 in the province of Catanzaro. Two structured questionnaires were administered to 70 veterinarians and 100 animal owners to investigate usage patterns, indications, perceived effectiveness, and client attitudes. Results: The results indicated that 85.7% of veterinarians use beehive products, primarily honey (71.4%), followed by propolis (10%) and royal jelly (4.3%). The main application was for treating wounds, ulcers, and other skin conditions (68.3% of users) in companion animals (71.7% of users). Furthermore, 64% of owners were aware of honey's therapeutic properties, and their willingness to accept apitherapy was strongly associated with trust in their veterinarian's recommendation. Conclusion: Beehive products, particularly medical-grade honey (i.e., sterilized honey with standardized antibacterial activity, intended for topical medical use), are an established therapeutic option in companion animal practice in the studied region, with good alignment between professional use and client acceptance. However, the field requires standardization of products and protocols, alongside enhanced professional training, to optimize clinical outcomes and ensure therapeutic efficacy and safety.