Oregon Bee Deaths Not From Pesticides

In addition, Oregon State University examined bee samples from Clackamas County for pests and disease.

Laboratory analysis of dead honeybee samples taken from hives in Clackamas County this summer show no detection of pesticides. Photo: Salem-News.com File Photo

(SALEM, Ore. ) - Laboratory analysis of dead honeybee samples taken from hives in Clackamas County this summer show no detection of pesticides.

According to the Oregon Department of Agriculture, which conducted the testing and analysis, other factors are likely to be responsible for the death of thousands of bees from colonies owned by four local beekeepers.

In addition, Oregon State University examined bee samples from Clackamas County for pests and disease. The analysis found average levels of bee mites and nosema disease, but did not find any evidence that explains the deaths.

ODA’s Pesticides Program and its laboratory in Portland made the testing and analysis of the bees a high priority.

ODA developed a screening process that focused on 39 pesticide active ingredients used in Oregon and known to be toxic to pollinators.

Creating the customized list of potential suspect pesticides greatly reduced the testing time and the list can be used in future analysis of pollinator deaths.

All of the Clackamas County samples tested, each containing hundreds of bees, were negative for any of the pesticides on the list.

ODA is assisting the state’s task force on pollinator health, and continues to work on pollinator issues at the national level.

Source: Oregon Department of Agriculture