Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) is the name of the decease that is attributed to the latest, and one of the most serious problems, associated with disappearing and death of honey bee colonies all over the country. It is featured by, abrupt colony death, but the interesting moment is that death rate is high among young units, in comparison with adult bees.
The most wide spread reasons that are suggested include increased death rate because of the infectious Varroa mite; the pesticide poisoning (because of the pesticide usage for crops for the mite control) is also among the possible reasons. Additionally to these suggestions, the most highly suspected reason of CCD is the immunodeficiency stress of the bees, which may be caused by several factors, such as migration, radio emission and antibiotics.
The mechanisms are still not clear, in spite of numerous researches. These may be the mites, or some other parasites. Fungus is widely spread in the northern parts of the USA because of the increased humidity, and it may be the probable reason. (Maeterlinck, 2007). It is also suggested, that CCD is rather infectious, and the bees could catch the infection by contacting with other insects. Some apiculturists stipulate, that it depends on the species of the bees, as some of them are not subjected to CCD. Thus, the reason may be covered in genes. (Maeterlinck, 2007)
Means to prevent the CCD symptom
The Mid-Atlantic Apiculture Research and Extension Consortium suggested the following recommendations for beekeepers in order to prevent the CCD:
- Do not join collapsing and healthy colonies.
- When a collapsed colony is defined, it is necessary to start using the different tools and equipment for this colony, in order to undermine infection.
- It is necessary to use Fumagillin, if the bees are fed with syrup
- Terramycin, not Tylan should be used, if the colony is experiencing collapse, and some secondary infection was found. (Maeterlinck, 2007)
In order to rebuild the colony experiencing the Colony Collapse Disorder symptoms it is necessary to provide the new queen for the colony, and thoroughly observe the colony, as any observations may help to cope with the problem, especially if the means of rebuilding colony will be successful. Another way to rebuild the colony is transport it to another territory. It should help bees adapt to the new surrounding, and, if the reason was in the territorial special feature (use of pesticides, increase radio emission etc.) it would help to donate to the solution of the problem. (Maeterlinck, 2007). Some beekeepers suggest eliminating the colony with the CCD syndrome, as it may be infectious, and other colonies may be infected.
The fact is that, CCD may be associated with the changes in the electro-magnetic field of our planet, so, nothing could be made to prevent the syndrome, but to rebuild the colony, beekeepers suggest to isolate the deceased colony, and thoroughly observe the behavior of the queen in particular, and the entire colony in general. When the disappearing stops, the colony may be rebuilt by resettling units from other colonies.
References
“Bug Cops.” The Wilson Quarterly Summer 2005: 99 Maeterlinck, Maurice. The Life of the Bee,. Trans. Alfred Sutro. New York: Dodd, Mead and Company, 2007.