Colony collapse disorder

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Colony collapse disorder is a phenomenon that has been affecting honeybee hives in recent years. Scientific studies of the disorder have suggested that the probable causes are the spread of mite, viral, and parasite infestations such as the Varroa mite, Israel acute paralysis virus, and parasitic infection by Nosema apis.[1] It has also been suggested that other causes could be new diseases, pesticide poisoning through exposure to pesticides applied to crops or for in-hive insect or mite control, and climate change.[2] In April of 2013, the EU implemented a 2 year ban on neonicotinoid (chemicals related to nicotine) pesticides which are suspected to be one of the leading factors in CCD. [3]

[edit] Woo

A widespread belief persists that the spread of the disorder is due to either cell phone towers or genetically modified crops (or GMOs, genetically modified organisms). These beliefs are still clung to by hard greens, by those who believe cell phone signals pose a threat to health, and by conspiracy theorists who believe GMOs are part of a corporate conspiracy (usually attributed to Monsanto) to control the food supply.

[edit] Footnotes

  1. Questions and Answers: Colony Collapse Disorder
  2. According to the EPA
  3. http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/victory-for-bees-as-european-union-bans-neonicotinoid-pesticides-blamed-for-destroying-bee-population-8595408.html
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