Bat DieOff And Bee Colony Collapse
White Nose Syndrome in Bats Compared to Honey Bee Disease Outbreak
Agricultural concerns over losses of pollinating bees and insect eating bats. Reasons for both disease outbreaks sought. How does pesticide use figure into the equation?
Bats are dying in large numbers throughout the Northeastern United States. The die off is being compared to the Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) that swept through the beekeeping community. No clear-cut cause for either die off has been established but both species involved are important to the agricultural community. Pesticide use may be a contributing factor.
White Nose Syndrome
The bat dieoff , nicknamed White-Nose Syndrome for the white fungus found around the nose of affected bats, is confined to the Northeast at this time but it has spread into new states in the last few months. Agricultural experts in the area are concerned as bats are an important source of insect control. The four species of bat that are known to be affected include the Indiana bat, one of several endangered bat species. But all the affected species face increased risk of extinction if the outbreak can't be controlled.
Colony Collapse Disorder and Pesticide Use
A pathogenic basis is suspected in the case of Colony Collapse Disorder as bees will not recolonize an infected hive until it has been sterilized. So the search is on for the pathogen. But organic beekeepers claim that they are not being affected, even those who are commercial beekeepers.
So what is the difference? Organic beekeepers don’t use pesticides to kill Varroa mites that parasitize the bees and they don’t give antibiotics to their bees. The role of pesticides in weakening the immune system is well documented in many species so the effect on bee colonies would not be unexpected.
In most cases, organic bees are not transported long distances either. This means the bees suffer from less stress, making them less susceptible to any bacteria or virus that may be in their environment.
The Role of Pesticides in White Nose Syndrome
Although the way in which pesticide use affects the bats and bees is different, the result is similar. Bats feed on insects. Heavy use of pesticides reduces their food supply. Bats may then be forced to fly further to find enough food, using up vital energy in the process. Poor nutrition increases susceptibility to disease.
Bats that enter hibernation at low weight are at increased risk of not surviving the winter. Researchers feel that the fungus found around the nose may be a secondary issue, either because of that increased susceptibility to disease or because the bats are too weak to groom a fungus that may have always been present in the caves.
Whatever the findings on the causes of these two disease outbreaks, it makes sense to examine the role that pesticides are playing in the health of both bees and bats. It is in mankind's best interest to ensure their survival.
