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Neonicotinoids linked to large-scale bee declines
buff tailed bumblebee
Average bee declines were three times greater in species that regularly feed on oilseed rape, such as buff-tailed bumblebees.
Long-term study suggests treated oilseed rape crops are a key risk

The results of an 18-year study suggest there is a link between large-scale wild bee declines and exposure to oilseed rape crops that have been treated with neonicotinoids.

Researchers from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology looked at changes in the occurrence of 62 wild bee species, alongside oilseed rape cropping patterns in England. Their research spanned 1994-2011 - the time period which saw the introduction of wide-scale commercial use of neonicotinoids.

The findings have been published in Nature Communications.

According to the team, average bee declines were three times greater in species that regularly feed on oilseed rape, such as buff-tailed bumblebees, compared to those that forage for a variety of flowers.

In five of the species studied, including the spined mason bee and furrow bee, the use of neonicotinoids was found to equate to 20 per cent of local population extinctions.

The research adds considerable weight to a number of previous small-scale studies that focused on the effects of short-term exposure to neonicotinoids. The group of insecticides has previously been found to have a detrimental effect on honeybees and some commercially bred wild bee species.

Neonicotinoids can be applied to seeds before planting and are expressed systematically throughout the growing plant, meaning they can be ingested when pollinators feed on the pollen or nectar.

Commenting on the research, lead author Dr Ben Woodcock said: "As a flowering crop, oilseed rape is beneficial for pollinating insects. This benefit, however, appears to be more than nullified by the effect of neonicotinoid seed treatment on a range of wild bee species."

The team's findings will help to inform the review of neonicotinoids and the risk they pose to bees, which is being conducted by the European Food Standards Authority.

However, National Farmers Union bee health specialist Dr Chris Hartfield said there are still "major gaps" in our knowledge when it comes to neonicotinoids, and insecticides remain "an essential part of the toolbox" for farmers. Without such products, he warned that "our ability to produce wholesome, affordable food for the nation, will continue to stagnate."

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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. 

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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.