Share:
Propagation of Zika mosquitoes Insecticide also kills millions of bees
In the US, in the fight against the Zika virus, insecticide is sprayed in large numbers against the tiger mosquitoes responsible for the infections. The use of insecticides also costs the lives of millions of bees.
Bee mortality has consequences for humans
Experts have repeatedly pointed out in recent years that bee populations are in danger worldwide. Researchers have even dealt with the possible extinction of bees in scientific work.
The extinction of industrious insects would therefore require 1.4 million additional deaths per year, because fewer fruits, vegetables and grains would be available. Experts therefore call again and again for a reduction in the use of pesticides, which are considered a cause of bee mortality.
In the US, millions of bees have been killed by an insecticide. The insecticide was sprayed against mosquitoes responsible for Zika infections. (Image: mirkograul / fotolia.com) Insecticides against mosquitoes
In the US, however, such recommendations currently seem to have taken a back seat. According to a report by AFP, millions of bees have been killed by an insecticide that was actually used against the mosquitoes responsible for Zika infections.
The insecticide was sprayed last Sunday in Dorchester County, South Carolina by air. The county administrator Jason Ward confirmed this. Subsequently, several beekeepers in the region complained about dead bees.
Pesticides used in the EU banned
The broadcaster "Flowertown Bee Farm and Supplies" in the town of Summerville lost 2.5 million bees, the broadcaster WCSC reported. Company owner Juanita Stanley wrote on her Facebook page that the use of the insecticide had "destroyed" her family business.
The action was ordered after four Zika cases had been registered in Dorchester. According to the agency, the insecticide Naled was sprayed. This has been used in the USA since 1959 as a pesticide. It has been banned in the EU since 2012 because of its environmental and health risks. The US Disease Control Agency (CDC) only recommends that it be used correctly and sparingly.
Zika virus endangers unborn children
Infection with the predominantly mosquito-borne Zika virus usually has no serious consequences in adults. According to health experts, it leads to flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache and body aches in about 20 percent of those infected.
However, it can also cause neonatal skull malformations (microcephaly). The babies are born with an unusually small head, which can lead to brain malformations. Therefore, pregnant women are always advised not to travel to affected regions and to protect themselves against mosquito bites.
The pathogen is rampant, especially in Latin America. In Brazil, most cases (around 1.5 million) have so far been recorded. So far, around 2,600 Zika cases have been reported in the US. Most of the patients had apparently become infected while traveling in Zika areas in South or Central America. A few months ago, experts had also warned against a possible Zika virus epidemic around the Mediterranean. (Ad)