The recent concern over CCD has much in common with the historical "Isle of Wight Disease" episode, and many lessons can be learned. Initial concern about colony losses in one particular area, the USA, has led to global media attention. Moreover, colony losses throughout the world are being ascribed to CCD, yet that term was … Continue reading IBRA – Honey bee colony losses

This study records the third consecutive year of high winter losses in managed honey bee colonies in the USA.  Over the winter of 2008-9 an estimated 29 % of all US colonies died.  Operations which pollinated Californian almond orchards over the survey period had lower average losses than those which did not.  Beekeepers consider normal … Continue reading IBRA – A survey of honey bee colony losses in the United States, fall 2008 to spring 2009

The BBC website reports on a report claiming a link.  Read it here.

On 24th August the British Beekeepers Association published the results of their annual survey of bee losses.  See the story here on the BBKA website.

The Soil Association report that  "The evidence against these chemicals is strong enough that they have been banned or suspended in France, Germany, Italy and Slovenia – but not yet in the UK." Read the Soil Association briefing and make up your own mind.  If you agree that Neonicotinoids should be banned in the UK sign their petition. Visit … Continue reading Soil Association Petition to Ban Neonicotinoid Insecticides