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

Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.