They wouldn't know whether or not they have AFB in a colony, cos they use antibiotics
AFB vaccine
- Thread starter Jhah
- Start date
My understanding, and I could be incorrect, is that the only registered treatment in the US for nosema is Fumagilin. It is no longer available commercially since mid 2018. However it would appear vast quantities were sold prior for stockpiling.
It looks like the Canadians were still using Fumagilin in 2021
Epidemiology of Nosema spp. and the effect of indoor and outdoor wintering on honey bee colony population and survival in the Canadian Prairies
The epidemiology of Nosema spp. in honey bees, Apis mellifera, may be affected by winter conditions as cold temperatures and differing wintering methods (indoor and outdoor) provide varying levels of temperature stress and defecation flight opportunities. Across the Canadian Prairies, including...
This Canadian paper from 2022 covers oxytetracyclines for use with AFB and EFB.
Evaluating approved and alternative treatments against an oxytetracycline-resistant bacterium responsible for European foulbrood disease in honey bees
European foulbrood (EFB) is a disease of honey bee larvae caused by Melissococcus plutonius. In North America, oxytetracycline (OTC) is approved to combat EFB disease though tylosin (TYL) and lincomycin (LMC) are also registered for use against American ...
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Vast numbers of hives are sent from Canada down to California for almond pollination.
Have these drugs been banned since 2022?
Yes, you are incorrect.
Fumagilin was banned in the US 5 years ago. There were rumors at the time that some beekeepers might stockpile it, none proven. But even if some did, the shelf life is 3 years. So do the math.
Sheesh, who told you that one?
A pilot? They are an accurate source of information so I'm told. Plus they help bees across borders
Looks like they're strongly discouraging antibiotic use but it is still available under Veterinarian License as a feed supplement and I've attached a screenshot of the current form. Did crop it so current person listed isn't fielding calls in perpetuity.
Beeks are a persistent lot ☺️
Beeks are a persistent lot ☺️
Attachments
There has been some grumbling on Beesource over the last several years from US beekeepers who tried to get a vet to let them have some and are consistently turned down.
Seems they need a valid reason, and just wanting to continue the banned practices of the past is not one.
Seems they need a valid reason, and just wanting to continue the banned practices of the past is not one.
In any case, the use of a banned nosema drug to illegally treat AFB in the US is not a widespread practice and in all likelihood is not happening at all.
Secondly, vast numbers of drug fed AFB infested beehives from Canada are not being shipped to the US to pollinate almonds.
And, what laws and practices that apply in Canada do not necessarily apply in the US. Far as supposed drugged bees go, they don't.
But mostly, it's all moot anyway in relation to the use of an AFB vaccine in New Zealand. What some people claim Americans might or might or might not be doing, or what Canadians might or might not be doing, is just a red herring far as our own use of an AFB vaccine goes, here in New Zealand.
Secondly, vast numbers of drug fed AFB infested beehives from Canada are not being shipped to the US to pollinate almonds.
And, what laws and practices that apply in Canada do not necessarily apply in the US. Far as supposed drugged bees go, they don't.
But mostly, it's all moot anyway in relation to the use of an AFB vaccine in New Zealand. What some people claim Americans might or might or might not be doing, or what Canadians might or might not be doing, is just a red herring far as our own use of an AFB vaccine goes, here in New Zealand.