Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 2nd July 2013
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Research finds insecticide danger
Imidacloprid causes impact to bee genes, say scientists

A study has revealed that the genes of honeybees are affected by exposure to neonicotinoid insecticides.

Researchers were able to identify that just two parts per billion of the insecticide imidacloprid was strong enough to impact on the activity of honeybee genes.

The findings follow the European Commission's decision to temporarily ban the use of three neonicotinoids back in April 2013, due to concerns they could be linked to bee deaths.

Dr Reinhard Stöger, an associate professor in epigenetic at the University of Nottingham's School of Biosciences, led the study.

He said: "Although larvae can still grow and develop in the presence of imidacloprid, the stability of the developmental process appears to be compromised."

Dr Stöger also added that, should the bees be exposed to additional stresses, such as pests, disease and bad weather, it is likely to increase the rate of developmental failure.

The results support the European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) January 2013 report, which deemed imidacloprid an "unacceptable" danger to bees.

Transient Exposure to Low Levels of Insecticide Affects Metabolic Networks of Honeybee Larvae has been published in the Public Library Of Science (PLOS) ONE journal.

The study was funded by the Co-operative Group under its Plan Bee campaign.

Related News

EU takes steps to protect bees
Insecticide danger to bees addressed

 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.