Table 1
Identified shortcomings of antibiotic use and awareness
| EU | UK | US | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antibiotic use | Low persistent use of ABs. Highest reported use of ABs (5%). ABs purchased from other beekeepers. | Low but persistent use of ABs. | Low persistent use of ABs. ABs mainly used for Nosema (no AB registered for this). ABs purchased online. Most likely to not follow label instructions. |
| Antibiotic awareness | Little knowledge on AB function. | Little knowledge on AB function. | Little knowledge on AB function (e.g. indicated a preventative function). Most likely to see ABs fail to treat. Acquire AB information online. |
Table 2
Suggested corrective actions
| EU | UK | US | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antibiotic use | Minor antibiotic use and illegal treatments (official controls). Verify traceability of Abs. Verify preparedness and training of officers and veterinarians. | Continue to monitor antibiotic use and respect of protocol (official controls). Continue to verify preparedness and training of bee inspectors and veterinarians. | Monitor antibiotic use and illegal treatments (official controls). Verify traceability of Abs. Verify preparedness and training of officers and veterinarians. |
| Antibiotic awareness | Training of beekeepers concerning antimicrobials. | Training of beekeepers concerning antimicrobials. | Training of beekeepers concerning antimicrobials, especially ABs use following label instructions. |
Fig. 1
Do you use antibiotics for any of the following? “Nosema”
Fig. 2
Do you use antibiotics for any of the following? “European Foulbrood”
Fig. 3
What are antibiotics intended to do? “Medicines that prevent diseases”
Fig. 4
How knowledgeable are you in issues of antibiotics intended to be used on bees?
Fig. 5
Please tell us your experience in recognizing bee resistance to medicines