Winter mortality

Winter mortality or winter colony loss
Bee colony mortality raises alarm every year in spring, but there is no reason to panic. The colony loss in 2008 is no higher than usual (10-15%).

High bee colony mortality in the United States raised alarm in the media in spring 2007. Colony loss had already before been observed in Europe.

In March 2007 bees@wur welcomed 32 scientists from 15 countries in Wageningen to form a new working group (COLOSS). This group investigates the possible causes of colony losses.
A survey held in 2005 and 2006 showed that in particular beekeepers themselves can contribute to the health of their bees. This had earlier been established in research by German colleagues.

Bees@wur searches for practical solutions to support beekeepers in keeping strong and healthy bees.

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