Global News - July 2007

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Europe's bees threatened by Asian parasite.

Fri 20 July 2007 12:50 UK — Europe

Scientists have identified a microscopic Asian parasite as the culprit behind the dramatic drop in the number of honeybees in many countries in Europe.

Spanish researchers believe that a microscopic parasite called nosema ceranae - which Asian bees are less vulnerable to - has spread to Europe and is decimating the population of native honeybees.

Lead researcher Mariano Higes explained to Reuters that he originally thought pesticides were responsible for the drop in European bee population but subsequent DNA analysis revealed that the parasite was the cause.

"Nosema ceranae is far more dangerous and lives in heat and cold," he told the agency. "A hive can become infected in two months and the whole colony can collapse in six to 18 months.

"We've no doubt at all it's nosema ceranae and we think 50 per cent of Spanish hives are infected."

As Spain contains around a quarter of Europe's honeybees, this infection puts the whole population at risk.

While the parasite is treatable, Mr Higes said that it was proving difficult to convince farmers that it was the cause of the problem.

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