Honeybees!!!

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Possible Explanation for the Devastating Disappearance of Honeybees

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Dr. Mercola View Dr. Mercola's Profile

 

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April 25, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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!

 

 

 

 

 

( 12 Comments )

 

 

 

+16 Points

 

BY Russ Bianchi View Russ Bianchi's Profile

 

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April 25, 2007

 

 

Buried in the NY Times article, attached, is a vague reference to

genetically modified High Fructose Corn Syrup, the bees are fed 75%

of the entire year, in 24-7 lit factory forced production hives,

WHEN, natural pollen, sap, nectar, or other botanical materials, for

conversion to honey, are NOT available.

 

All one has to do is look at the cyclical pricing structure

of 'honey' in America over the past 35, or so, years (when HFCS

feeding became common place in the apiary business).

 

You will see cyclical collapses of the bee populations about every

4th or 5th year, as industrial honey prices SPIKE upward, from

lowered supply.

 

These collapses were initially blamed on " mite infestations " , but in

point of entomological FACT, the