Fighting Varroa: University of Hohenheim warns against unregulated use of Lithium Chloride [23.01.18]
In response to great interest in newly discovered substance to use against varroa mites: Researchers emphasize that lithium chloride has not yet been approved / Warns against self-experiments
A press release from the University of Hohenheim on 12 January 2018 had beekeepers and specialized media sitting up and taking notice: In a joint research project, the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart and the biotechnology company SiTOOLs discovered that the salt from the light metal lithium chloride kills the dangerous varroa mite without harming bees – a ray of hope in the fight against the aggressive parasites. After many inquiries on the practical application in bee colonies, however, researchers are warning against using the substance before it has been approved as a veterinary medicine.
A bee infested with varroa mites. | Image: University of Hohenheim / Bettina Ziegelmann
The Director of the Apicultural State Institute at the University of Hohenheim, Dr. Peter Rosenkranz, stated: “The findings published show that lithium chloride is a highly effective and promising new subsstance for fighting varroa. The scientists expressly point out, however, that it is a veterinary medicine that is not yet ready for practical use and is not yet approved for use.”
“Until it is ready for use and until it can get the absolutely mandatory approval, additional tests are necessary. ‘Self-experiments’ with lithium chloride on your own bee colonies would be reckless at this time and would also be a clear violation of the German Medicines Law.”
Background: Project BeePax
The findings arose from the project BeePax with the company SiTOOLS and the University of Hohenheim on the initiative of Dr. Stefan Hannus from SiTOOLS. The discovery of lithium as a method for fighting mites was the result of joint experiments and successfully linking expertise in the areas of molecular biology and apiculture.
The project was funded with EUR 303,800 over two years by the Bayerische Forschungsstiftung. The foundation supports key future-oriented technologies with a focus on close cooperation between business and science and thus the transfer of knowledge.
Funded by Bayerische Forschungsstiftung.
Text: Barsch / Klebs
Contact for press:
PD Dr. rer. nat. Peter Rosenkranz, University of Hohenheim, Apicultural State Institute
T +49 711 459 22661, E peter.rosenkranz@uni-hohenheim.de
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