Probiotics being developed for honeybees

[susan rudnicki]

This came from the newsletter of the Pollinator Stewardship Council yesterday. I know these things represent some kind of “progress” and recognition of what insults we impose on honeybees, but still—it seems a “fix-it” way around to avoid changing the terrible things we do to our pollinators. Apis mellifera is not the only organism affected by the insults listed here—soils, birds, amphibians, mammals or the whole web of life is suffering from the tecnological toxic soup we are putting out there and in the hives.

Microbials- Active Probiotic Supplements

Modern agriculture uses many different pesticides, antibiotics and other chemicals that cause the honey bees’ natural defenses to be severely weakened. (See our website for detailed research) This also occurs during fall winterization when bees are fed sugar water, or if bee hives are prophylactically treated for pests and pathogens. Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) are symbiotic bacteria that naturally reside in the gastrointestinal tract of honey bees. They serve a multitude of functions and are considered beneficial and completely harmless. LAB are involved in protection of honey from other bacteria, yeasts and molds, fermentation of beebread as well as establishing strong hive immunity against pathogens. In nature, pathogens are always present. A significant number of them gain entry into the hive via pollen and nectar, however most pathogens are either dead or in spore form. When LAB’s sense pathogen presence; either live, dead or as dormant spores, secretion of antimicrobial substances is initiated as defense. This results in a reduction of pathogens, as well as inhibiting some of the dormant pathogenic spores from germinating. Beekeepers Earl and Carol Hoffman met with microbiologists from a Milwaukee biotechnology company called Strong Microbials, who develop microbial probiotic supplements used in agriculture and animal production. Earl and Carol volunteered to work with the scientists in the development of Direct-Fed Microbials (DFM), active probiotic supplements specific to the honey bee. Beekeepers are integral to any research involving honey bees, and Earl and Carol set up blind study field tests. The results exceeded expectations. These beekeepers found great scientific partners working to help the honey bees. It is relationships such as these which build the community of stakeholders concerned about honey bee health. To learn more about Earl and Carol Hoffman’s research experience contact them at http://www.strongmicrobials.com/products/dfm#bee ,email them at ech@strongmicrobials.com or call them directly 248 – 385 – 3248.

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