Cure For Honey Bee Colony Collapse?

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Science NewsCure For Honey Bee Colony Collapse? http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090414084627.htmScienceDaily (Apr. 14, 2009) — For the first time, scientists have isolated the parasite Nosema ceranae (Microsporidia) from professional apiaries suffering from honey bee colony depopulation syndrome. They then went on to treat the infection with complete success.See also: Plants & AnimalsBacteriaMicrobiologyAgriculture and FoodEarth & ClimateExotic SpeciesSustainabilityGeochemistryReferenceBeekeepingBeeAfricanized beeCharacteristics of common wasps and beesIn a study published in the new journal from the Society for Applied Microbiology: Environmental Microbiology Reports, scientists from Spain analysed two apiaries and found evidence of honey bee colony depopulation syndrome (also known as colony collapse disorder in the USA). They found no evidence of any other cause of the disease (such as the Varroa destructor, IAPV or pesticides), other than infection with Nosema ceranae. The researchers then treated the infected surviving under-populated colonies with the antibiotic drug, flumagillin and demonstrated complete recovery of all infected colonies.The loss of honey bees could have an enormous horticultural and economic impact worldwide. Honeybees are important pollinators of crops, fruit and wild flowers and are indispensable for a sustainable and profitable agriculture as well as for the maintenance of the non-agricultural ecosystem. Honeybees are attacked by numerous pathogens including viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites.For most of these diseases, the molecular pathogenesis is poorly understood, hampering the development of new ways to prevent and combat honeybee diseases. So, any progress made in identifying causes and subsequent treatments of honey bee colony collapse is invaluable. There have been other hypothesis for colony collapse in Europe and the USA, but never has this bug been identified as the primary cause in professional apiaries.“Now that we know one strain of parasite that could be responsible, we can look for signs of infection and treat any infected colonies before the infection spreads” said Dr Higes, principle researcher.This finding could help prevent the continual decline in honey bee population which has recently been seen in Europe and the USA. Wiley - Blackwell (2009, April 14). Cure For Honey Bee Colony Collapse?. ScienceDaily. Retrieved April 17, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2009/04/090414084627.htm enlargeBeekeeper with honeycomb. (Credit: iStockphoto/Kamilla Mathisen) Related Stories Colony Collapse Disorder: Researchers Work To Control Varroa Mites, Increase Longevity Of Queen Bees (Feb. 16, 2008) — In response to a fast-spreading syndrome called colony collapse disorder (CCD) that's striking honey bees nationwide, scientists at Agricultural Research Service bee laboratories across the country ... > read more Scientists Identify Pathogens That May Be Causing Global Honey-Bee Deaths (Apr. 26, 2007) — Researchers have identified potential culprits behind the wide-spread catastrophic death of honey bees around North America and Europe. A team of scientists from Edgewood Chemical Biological Center ... > read moreBee Mites Suppress Bee Immunity, Open Door For Viruses And Bacteria (May 18, 2005) — A non-native bee mite is causing the dramatic and sudden collapse of bee colonies across the country, but Penn State researchers believe they have found the combination of factors that triggers ... > read more Oregon Bee Loves Berries, May Help Fill Gap Caused By Colony Collapse Disorder Of European Bees (Feb. 14, 2008) — Bringing grains of pollen to waiting blackberry and red raspberry blossoms may be the special talent of a small, emerald-green bee. The hardworking bee, native to Oregon and California, may help with ... > read more