The mystery of the massive disappearance of bees in America

The beekeepers in the US are showing great concern. Since October 2006, beekeepers in 22 states have recorded a sharp drop in the number of bees in the nest. More than 30% of farmed bees have died. Many alarm groups are trying to understand the cause of this phenomenon.

This is not the first time that beekeepers in the US have witnessed this massive loss in the hive. Varroa sensitive species have also caused severe damage to beehives in recent years. Over the years, American and European beekeepers have recorded a decline in bee populations that have condemned the use of pesticides in agriculture.

Honey was analyzed at Penn State University laboratory (Photo: Nouvelobs.com)

Initially beekeepers thought this was a degenerative disease in the fall. However, experts who are interested in sudden honey bee cases have recently removed this cause by not detecting the pathogen. In related beehives, there are almost no adult bees and dead bees. The amount of food stored remains, no parasites or other bee populations fly to steal.

The analysis of bee remains reveals the presence of large numbers of fungi or bacteria, weakened bee immune system. However, no culprit has been discovered so far.

Beekeepers are worried about their career future. Agriculture needs bees. These pollinators are essential for the reproduction of many plants. According to an international research team, one-third of global food crops depend on pollinators such as insects, bats or birds. These pollinated animal populations are declining. A report from the US National Research Council confirmed that the number of bees in the US has decreased by 30% within 20 years.

NS