In Focus: Bee Health | European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)

httpv://youtu.be/ys4xcom6nnc
video: EFSAchannel
Bees are of critical importance in the environment, sustaining biodiversity and ecosystems by providing essential pollination services to a wide range of crops and wild plants. But
over the past few years beekeepers have been reporting unusual weakening of colonies and a decline in bee numbers. So what is threatening our friends the pollinators, and how can we protect them? A bee health specialist at EFSA explains.

EFSA identifies risks to bees from neonicotinoids

EFSA scientists have identified a number of risks posed to bees by three neonicotinoid pesticides. The Authority was asked by the European Commission to assess the risks associated with the use of clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam, with particular regard to their acute and chronic effects on bee colony survival and development; their effects on bee larvae and bee behaviour; and the risks posed by sub-lethal doses of the three substances.

Conclusion on the risk assessment for bees for the active substance:

Clothianidin

Imidacloprid

Thiamethoxam