Belgium has the highest rate of dead bees in winter in Europe

In a report published by the European Commission on April 7, Belgium is the country with the highest percentage of dead bees in Europe in the winter of 2012-2013. Pollination plays a very important role in agriculture but at least 33.6% of the bees cannot survive until the spring.

>>>Lack of honey bees, crop yields in many countries are threatened

The study called "Epilobee" conducted by the Anses laboratory in Sophia Antipolis specializes in bee health health observations by observing 31,800 bees at 3,300 beekeepers of 1,350 inspectors in three time periods: Autumn 2012, Spring 2013 and Summer 2013 in 17 European countries.

Bees have an important role in agriculture.(Photo: miriadna.com)

A difference between Northern and Southern Europe is noted. The highest bee mortality rate in Belgium, then to England (28.8%), Sweden (28.7%) and over 23% in Estonia and Finland.

Southern European countries with lower mortality rates (10%) were Italy (5.3%), Greece (6.6%), Spain (9.5%).

In honey production season, between spring and summer, the proportion of dead bees is less than in winter. To determine the cause, the study looked at the presence or absence of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and ticks.

Last year the EC decided to ban the use of four pesticides as a result of these products affecting the number of bees.

According to the European Commissioner in charge of ecology, Tonio Borg, wild bees are unnoticed while this situation becomes worrying. Research funded by EC continues to be implemented this year.