Researchers to test link between disease, bees and microplastics

Hutton research scientist Dr Amy Cooper, who recently won seedcorn funding from the institute to run the project, says, “This is potentially a new way for diseases to spread. Microplastics are now everywhere and honeybees, in particular, are very exposed to plastic, in their hives, the clothes beekeepers wear and even their food. Other insects are less exposed, but if honeybees are carrying microplastics around with pathogens on them, it’s a potentially powerful way for diseases to spread in the environment.”

The research, which will run for a year, will initially test how well two different types of disease-causing pathogens (both plant and insect pathogens) attach to microplastics. It will then monitor honeybees, wild bees and other pollinators at a site in northeast Scotland for microplastics.

“One risk is that diseases in commercial honeybee colonies could be spread between colonies, putting these crucial managed pollinators at risk, as well as spreading other diseases to critically important wild pollinators such as bumblebees and butterflies,” says Dr Cooper.

“While some pathogens, such as the deformed wing virus, are very widespread and regularly cause disease, which is managed, others, like American and European foulbrood, are less common. It is these that we are most worried about finding new ways to spread.”

One risk is that diseases in commercial honeybee colonies could be spread between colonies, putting these crucial managed pollinators at risk, as well as spreading other diseases to critically important wild pollinators such as bumblebees and butterflies”

Dr Amy Cooper