Another Possible Explanation for the Devastating Disappearance of Honeybees

[Guest guest]

Tens of billions of bees, and more than a quarter of America's 2.4 million bee

colonies, have died after becoming disoriented and failing to return to their

hives. A number of possible reasons have been proposed as the cause of the

problem, called " colony collapse disorder, " but the ultimate reason remains in

doubt.

About 60 researchers from North America recently met to discuss early findings

and future plans. They focused on the most likely suspects: a virus, a fungus or

a pesticide. The investigation is entering a critical phase as researchers begin

to perform bee autopsies and genetic analysis.

Testing at Columbia University has revealed the presence of multiple

micro-organisms in bees, suggesting that something is weakening their immune

systems. They detected fungi in some dead bees that are also found in humans

whose immune systems have been suppressed by cancer or AIDS.

Bees are also being screened for chemical contamination; one possibility is

imidacloprid, sold under the brand name Gaucho, a pesticide that has been banned

in France because of its effects on bee colonies. Researchers also noted that

feeding supplements produced from genetically modified crops, such as

high-fructose corn syrup, need to be studied.

Colony collapse disorder has struck 27 states, and a recent survey of 13

states showed that 26 percent of beekeepers had lost half of their bee colonies

between September and March. Honeybees are the principal pollinators of hundreds

of fruits, vegetables, flowers and nuts, and their disappearance could have

grave agricultural consequences.

New York Times April 24, 2007 (Registration Required)

 

Deseretnews.com April 24, 2007

 

 

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

While suspicions have fallen on everything from cellular phones to genetically

modified crops, many researchers are beginning to suspect the indications point

to an infectious agent, such as a virus or fungus, as the primary cause of

colony collapse disorder.

However, many scientists believe pesticides, which are just as poisonous and

harmful to humans, could be a real problem too. The problem could be related to

imidacloprid (part of a group of common compounds called neonicotinoids) that's

used, among other things, to treat seeds, maintain green lawns and protect home

foundations from termites.

After reporting large losses of bees after exposure to imidacloprid -- it left

the bees disoriented and prevented them from returning to their hives -- France

banned it for use on corn and sunflowers, despite protests by the multi-national

giant Bayer. (All the more reason to stay far away from foods chock full of

pesticides that can damage your health.)

It is no mystery that pesticides are toxic; 60 percent of herbicides, 90

percent of fungicides and 30 percent of insecticides are known to cause cancer.

Furthermore:

 

Pesticide use has increased 50-fold since 1950, and 2.5 million tons of

industrial pesticides are now used each year.

Many of the chemicals used in pesticides are persistent soil contaminants,

whose impact may endure for decades, and adversely affect soil conservation.

Numerous studies have shown that pesticides may contribute to:

 

Infertility

Birth defects, miscarriages and stillbirths

Learning disorders

Aggressive behavior

Cancer of the breast, prostate and lymphatic system

So it isn't surprising that they may cause similar problems in other

organisms, such as bees. They are, after all, designed to kill insects.

I cannot emphasize enough how significant a problem this has the potential to

become. If honeybees disappear it could eliminate, in very short order, much of

our food supply, as the bees are a necessary part of the equation for

pollination of many of our food plants. It's just one more example of how

fragile and interdependent our biosystem really is. The loss of honeybees could

ignite famine throughout the world.

Related Articles:

Pesticides, NOT West Nile Virus, are the Leading Cause of Bird Deaths

Alternative to Using Pesticides

How Many Pesticides are in Your Food? Find Out Now!

 

 

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