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.
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 review ‘supports call for neonicotinoid ban’
bumblebee
‘New research shows in particular that harm to bees arises not only from treated crop plants but also from contaminated wild plants that have not been treated with neonicotinoids.'
Sussex scientists identify extra threats to pollinators

A new report suggests neonicotinoid pesticides pose similar or greater risks to bees than was perceived in 2013, when a partial ban of three neonicotinoids was introduced in the EU.

Greenpeace commissioned scientists at the University of Sussex to conduct a major review of research published since the ban.

The review confirmed risks identified by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in 2013, and identified additional threats to pollinators. As a result, the research team and Greenpeace are calling for a moratorium on their use.

Recent research shows exposure to neonicotinoids from non-target plants represents a greater risk than previously thought. Studies demonstrate extensive uptake of the chemicals, and their presence in the pollen, nectar and foliage of wild plants. Bees collecting pollen from treated crops are expected to be exposed to the highest neonicotinoid concentrations, but non-trivial quantities are also found in pollen and nectar collected from wild plants.

Similarly, the sub-lethal effects on bees were considered limited in 2013 as there was no testing methodology to assess their effects. Research in the past three years suggests exposure to treated flowering crops has significant negative effects on free-flying wild bees. Some studies have also shown negative impacts on foraging ability and fitness.

The review also looked at the negative impacts of neonicotinoids on other organisms and the wider environment.

Commenting on the findings, Greenpeace said: ‘New research shows in particular that harm to bees arises not only from treated crop plants but also from contaminated wild plants that have not been treated with neonicotinoids.

‘Recent data also demonstrates that neonicotinoids have become ubiquitous in our environment, polluting water, soil and natural vegetation. The evidence indicates that they pose significant risks to many wildlife species other than bees, including butterflies, beetles and aquatic insects, with possible ripple effects up the food chain.’

In light of the findings, Greenpeace believes it would be ‘irresponsible’ to continue using the chemicals, and is calling for a complete ban of the three neonicotinoids that are already subject to partial bans - imidacloprid, clothianidin and thiamethoxam.

Authors from the University of Sussex said new research on these three neonicotinoids ‘strengthens arguments for the imposition of a moratorium on their use, in particular because it has become evident that they pose significant risks to many non-target organisms, not just bees.’

They added: ’Given the improvement in scientific knowledge of how neonicotinoids move into the wider environment from all crop types, a discussion on the risks posed by their use on non-flowering crops and in non-agricultural areas is urgently needed.’

A review currently being carried out by EFSA has been delayed until autumn this year owing to the large amount of data submitted.

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

Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.