Formulations and methods for promoting honeybee health

Abstract

Formulations for promoting honeybee health include an aqueous solution having an organic acid, one or more buffering agents, one or more coloring dyes, and one or more strains of probiotic bacteria. The formulations can be in the form of syrup additives or sprays. The formulations can have additional active ingredients, inert ingredients, or both.

Claims

1. A formulation for promoting honeybee health, the formulation comprising: an aqueous solution comprising an organic acid, wherein the organic acid comprises humic acid at 0.1 to 10 Kg humic acid per 10 liters total volume; one or more buffering agents, wherein the one or more buffering agents are citric acid and sodium bicarbonate; one or more coloring dyes; Bacillus subtilis; Bacillus pumilus; Bacillus licheniformis; Bacillus megaterium; and Bacillus laterosporus, wherein the formulation further comprises nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, calcium, and one or more amino acids selected from the group consisting of alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, lysine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, valine, and tyrosine, and wherein promoting honeybee health comprises increasing resistance to mite infestation and reducing levels of Nosema infection.

2. The formulation of claim 1, wherein the aqueous solution comprises 1.134 Kg humic acid per 10 liters total volume.

3. The formulation of claim 1, wherein the aqueous solution comprises 4 grams of citric acid and 4 grams of sodium bicarbonate per 10 liters total volume.

4. The formulation of claim 1, wherein the one or more coloring dyes are selected from the group consisting of brilliant blue and lemon yellow.

5. The formulation of claim 4, wherein the aqueous solution comprises 0.16 grams of brilliant blue and 0.16 grams of lemon yellow per 10 liters total volume.

6. The formulation of claim 1, wherein the aqueous solution comprises 0.064 grams of dried culture of each of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus megaterium, and Bacillus laterosporus per 10 liters total volume.

7. The formulation of claim 1, wherein the formulation is in the form of a syrup additive or a spray.

8. The formulation of claim 1, wherein the formulation further comprises additional active ingredients, inert ingredients, or both.

9. A kit for making the formulation of claim 1, the kit comprising humic acid, citric acid and sodium bicarbonate, brilliant blue and lemon yellow dyes, and a dried probiotic culture mix, comprising bacillus subtilis, bacillus pumilus, bacillus licheniformis, bacillus megaterium, and bacillus laterosporus.

10. The kit of claim 9, wherein the ingredients are pre-weighed and packaged in sterile disposable bags sufficient for mixing 10 liters of formulation.

11. The kit of claim 9, further comprising instructions for mixing, activating and using the formulation.

12. A method of treating a honeybee infection, comprising mixing the formulation of claim 1 and administering the formulation to a honeybee colony in need thereof, wherein the honeybee infection comprises mite infestation and Nosema infection.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein administering comprises feeding the formulation in a 1:1 to 1:2 mixture of formulation to beekeeper's syrup solution.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein administering comprises spraying the formulation directly onto a brood nest of the colony.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(1) Various formulations comprising dilute organic acids supplemented with buffering agents, color dyes and one or more strains of probiotic bacteria are disclosed for promoting health in honeybee colonies. The formulations disclosed include APICARE™ SYRUP ADDITIVE designed to supplement conventional beekeepers sugar syrup, APICARE™ SPRAY designed for direct spray application for the main brood nest of the colony, and SUNSHINE™ SPRAY, which is clear and less likely to contribute color to the honey. The specific syrup and spray formulations have been found to provide surprising health benefits to honeybee colonies, including treatment of the most common honeybee parasites and infections (including e.g., Varroa mites, Nosema, American foulbrood, as well as viral infections). Methods are also disclosed for feeding and applying the APICARE and SUNSHINE formulations to bee colonies in need thereof.

(2) APICARE™ Syrup Additive

(3) APICARE Syrup additive is made by first mixing an organic acid with water to form a vehicle. One preferred organic acid is humic acid, including e.g., its lower molecular weight constituent, fulvic acid. Other organic acids contemplated for use in APICARE syrup include citric acid, malic acid or gallic acid. Humic acid is a principal component of humic substances, which are the major organic constituents of soil (humus), peat, coal, many upland streams, dystrophic lakes, and ocean water. It is produced by biodegradation of dead organic matter. It is not a single acid; rather, it is a complex mixture of many different acids containing carboxyl and phenolate groups so that the mixture behaves functionally as a dibasic acid or, occasionally, as a tribasic acid. Humic acids can form complexes with ions that are commonly found in the environment creating humic colloids. Humic and fulvic acids (fulvic acids are humic acids of lower molecular weight and higher oxygen content than other humic acids) are commonly used as a soil supplement in agriculture, and less commonly as a human nutritional supplement. As a nutrition supplement, fulvic acid can be found in a liquid form as a component of mineral colloids. Fulvic acids are poly-electrolytes and are unique colloids that diffuse easily through membranes whereas all other colloids do not.

(4) Citric acid is a weak organic acid with the formula C.sub.6H.sub.8O.sub.7. It is a natural preservative which is present in citrus fruits. It is also used to add an acidic or sour taste to foods and drinks. In biochemistry, the conjugate base of citric acid, citrate, is important as an intermediate in the citric acid cycle, which occurs in the metabolism of all aerobic organisms. It consists of 3 carboxyl (R—COOH) groups. Citric acid is a commodity chemical, and more than a million tons are produced every year by fermentation. It is used mainly as an acidifier, as a flavoring, and as a chelating agent. Citric acid exists in greater than trace amounts in a variety of fruits and vegetables, most notably citrus fruits. Lemons and limes have particularly high concentrations of the acid; it can constitute as much as 8% of the dry weight of these fruits (about 47 g/L in the juices).

(5) Gallic acid is a trihydroxybenzoic acid, a type of phenolic acid, a type of organic acid, also known as 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid, found in gallnuts, sumac, witch hazel, tea leaves, oak bark, and other plants. The chemical formula is C.sub.6H.sub.2(OH).sub.3COOH. Gallic acid is found both free and as part of hydrolyzable tannins.

(6) Malic acid is an organic compound with the molecular formula C.sub.4H.sub.6O.sub.5. It is a dicarboxylic acid that is made by all living organisms, contributes to the pleasantly sour taste of fruits, and is used as a food additive. Malic acid contributes to the sourness of green apples. It is present in grapes and in most wines with concentrations sometimes as high as 5 g/l. It confers a tart taste to wine, although the amount decreases with increasing fruit ripeness. The taste of malic acid is very clear and pure in rhubarb, a plant for which it is the primary flavor.

(7) In one embodiment, the vehicle of APICARE Syrup additive is made by mixing from about 0.1 to about 10 Kg, from about 0.5 to about 5 Kg, from about 0.8 to about 3 Kg, from about 0.9 to about 2 Kg, or about 1 Kg of humic acid with distilled and/or reverse osmosis filtered water to a total volume of about 10 liters. In one embodiment, about 1.134 Kg humic acid is mixed with 9.462 liter of distilled and/or reverse osmosis filtered water. The diluted humic acid vehicle is blended for about 30-60 minutes in a sterile container at room temperature, or until the solution is clear. In one embodiment, the humic acid may have the chemical formula: C.sub.187H.sub.186O.sub.89N.sub.9S.sub.1.

(8) Next, buffers and/or preservatives may be added to the organic acid vehicle. Colored dyes may also be added. Probiotic bacteria may also be included. In one embodiment, a humic acid vehicle is supplemented with one of more of the following ingredients: citric acid (or sodium citrate), sodium bicarbonate, brilliant blue dye, lemon yellow dye, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus megaterium, and Bacillus laterosporus. Of course, other probiotic and/or beneficial bacteria may be added. Additional ingredients may also include vitamins, co-factors, minerals, essential oils, micronutrients, sugars, gelatin or other gelling agents, etc. In one embodiment, the syrup includes 4 grams of citric acid and 3.936 grams of sodium bicarbonate, 0.16 grams of brilliant blue and 0.16 grams of lemon yellow, 0.064 grams of Bacillus subtilis, 0.064 grams of Bacillus pumilus, 0.064 grams of Bacillus licheniformis, 0.064 grams of Bacillus megaterium, and 0.064 grams of Bacillus laterosporus. These additives may be added in dry form about 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 18, 24, 36 or 72 hours before use to allow a homogeneous and activated syrup additive. The probiotic bacteria hydrate and become active. Preferably, the APICARE Syrup additive is made about 24 hours before use to allow optimal mixing and culture activation.

(9) In another combination, the formula may include in addition to humic acid and the other ingredients, one or more, two or more, three or more, four or more probiotic bacteria—selected from Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus laterosporus, Bifidobacterium species and Lactobacillus species.

(10) APICARE™ Spray

(11) APICARE Spray has the same components as the syrup additive, but is formulated to have a sprayable viscosity. In one embodiment, the organic acid vehicle for the spray is made by mixing about 0.085 Kg of humic acid in about 9.462 liters of distilled and/or reverse osmosis filtered water. In one embodiment, the spray includes 4 grams of citric acid and 3.936 grams of sodium bicarbonate, 0.16 grams of brilliant blue and 0.16 grams of lemon yellow, 0.064 grams of Bacillus subtilis, 0.064 grams of Bacillus pumilus, 0.064 grams of Bacillus licheniformis, 0.064 grams of Bacillus megaterium, and 0.064 grams of Bacillus laterosporus. Preferably, the homogeneous, activated spray is made about 24 hours before use. As detailed above for the syrup, other organic acids may be substituted for humic acid. Likewise, the spray formulation may include any one or more of the additives, or other ingredients disclosed. Other beneficial bacteria may also be used.

(12) SUNSHINE™ Spray

(13) SUNSHINE Spray is formulated to be a clear sprayable liquid. In one embodiment, the organic acid vehicle for the spray is fulvic acid (C.sub.135H.sub.182O.sub.95N.sub.5S.sub.2). The fulvic acid vehicle may include about 1% to about 10% fulvic acid (v/v in purified water). In various embodiments, the fulvic acid may be diluted to 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9% or 10% in purified water. In one embodiment, the organic acid vehicle is 3% fulvic acid in 97% purified water. Since fulvic acid has less carbon than humic acid, it tends to impart little or no color to the honey. Buffers and/or preservatives may be added to the organic acid vehicle. Colored dyes may also be added. Probiotic bacteria may also be included. In one embodiment, fulvic acid vehicle is supplemented with one of more of the following ingredients: citric acid (or sodium citrate), sodium bicarbonate, brilliant blue dye, lemon yellow dye, one or more, two or more, three or more, four or more probiotic bacteria selected from Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus laterosporus. Of course, other probiotic and/or beneficial bacteria may be added. Additional ingredients may also include vitamins, co-factors, minerals, essential oils, micronutrients, sugars, gelatin or other gelling agents, etc. In one embodiment, the formulation includes 4 grams of citric acid and 3.936 grams of sodium bicarbonate, 0.16 grams of brilliant blue and 0.16 grams of lemon yellow, 0.064 grams of Bacillus subtilis, 0.064 grams of Bacillus pumilus, 0.064 grams of Bacillus licheniformis, 0.064 grams of Bacillus megaterium, and 0.064 grams of Bacillus laterosporus in 2.5 gallons of 3% fulvic acid. The amounts of the dried probiotic bacteria are not particularly limiting. For example, in variations, the amounts of bacteria can range from about 0.01 grams to about 0.2 grams or more, including 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.20 grams.

(14) Of course it is understood that in some embodiments, other probiotic and/or other beneficial bacteria or yeast known in the art may be added to the formulation or substituted for these particular microbes. Further other dosages of the microbes may be used. For example, the Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus genera (B. longum, B. breve, B. infantis, L. helveticus, L. rhamnosus, L. plantarum, and L. casei) may be used. Bifidobacterium bifidum may help to prevent the formation of various fungal diseases. Lactobacillus acidophilus may aid in bee digestion of carbohydrates and stimulate immune response. Lactobacillus plantarum may also stimulate the immune system and aid in protein digestion. These microbial additives may be added in dry form about 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 18, 24, 36 or 72 hours before use to allow a homogeneous and activated additive. The probiotic bacteria hydrate and become active. Preferably, the SUNSHINE Spray is made about 24 hours before use to allow a homogeneous mixture to form.

(15) Next, the fulvic acid mixture is further supplemented with an amalgamated powder comprising nitrogen and various mineral salts, selected from phosphorous, potassium (e.g., potash), and calcium, as well as amino acids are added to the homogeneous mixture. Any salts of the mineral elements may be used. In one embodiment, 2.5 grams of the amalgamated powder is used. The amalgamated powder may include (wt %): 13% of a water-soluble form of nitrogen, 0.1% nitrate salts, 0.2% ammonium salts, 0.24% phosphorous salts, 0.1% potassium salts (potash), 0.4% calcium salts, 3.2% alanine, 5.5% arginine, 5.0% aspartic acid, 10.0% glutamic acid, 18.0% glycine, 0.6% histidine, 2.0% isoleucine, 2.25% lysine, 1.5% phenylalanine, 8.2% proline, 2.2% serine, 1.6% threonine, 1.6% valine, and 0.8% tyrosine; the remainder of the powder consists of nucleic acid fragments, inert ingredients and moisture. The powder is allowed to completely dissolve in the mixture to produce the SUNSHINE Spray supplement.

(16) Methods of Using APICARE™ and SUNSHINE™ Supplements

(17) APICARE Syrup additive is feed to bee colonies diluted in beekeeper's syrup solution. Syrup solutions are typically sugar (sucrose) in water. The standard beekeeper's syrup usually vary from about 1:1 wt/wt sugar to water for Spring feeding, to about 2:1 wt/wt sugar to water for Fall feeding. APICARE Syrup additive may be diluted and mixed at volume ratios of about 1:10, 1:20, 1:30, 1:40, 1:50, 1:60, 1:70, 1:80, 1:90, 1:100, 1:125, 1:150, 1:175, 1:200, 1:300, 1:400, 1:500 and up to about 1:1000 APICARE Syrup additive to beekeeper's syrup. In one embodiment, 1 volume of APICARE Syrup additive is diluted to 100 volumes with beekeeper's syrup. For example, 2.5 gallons of activated APICARE Syrup additive is mixed into 250 gallons of beekeeper's designated syrup solution. After mixing, the homogenous syrup is feed to colonies using bee colony owners' standard feeding schedule. As noted above, such schedule may vary with season. Various feeding techniques can be used, include e.g., (1) using a ¾ gallon inside feeder that replaces one of the interior frames to a standard langstroth 9⅛ deep hive; (2) using a ¾ gallon glass jar that is fitted to be placed inverted on the top of the bee hive; (3) using a plastic bail/bucket that is placed over a hole made into the lid of the beehive; (4) having a large open container that is filled with hay that is then filled with syrup up to just below that hay level; and (5) digging a varying size pit in the ground and lining with plastic then filling with hay and filling with syrup until just below the hay line.

(18) Once activated, APICARE Spray formulation may be applied directly (via aerosol sprayer, liquid sprayer, etc.) to the main brood nest of the colony. Dosages may vary depending on the heath of the colony. Routine prophylactic application may use about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9 or 2.0 liquid oz. In some embodiments, about 1.5 oz is sprayed directly onto the brood nest. The spray application may occur about one time every 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 or 30 days. In one embodiment, the spray is applied about every 15-17 days.

EXAMPLE 1

Treatment of Nosema

(19) APICARE Syrup additive is made by mixing 1.134 Kg humic acid with 9.462 liter of reverse osmosis filtered water. The diluted humic acid vehicle is blended for about 30-60 minutes in a sterile container at room temperature until clear. To the vehicle is added 4 grams of citric acid and 3.936 grams of sodium bicarbonate, 0.16 grams of brilliant blue and 0.16 grams of lemon yellow, 0.064 grams of Bacillus subtilis, 0.064 grams of Bacillus pumilus, 0.064 grams of Bacillus licheniformis, 0.064 grams of Bacillus megaterium, and 0.064 grams of Bacillus laterosporus. The mixture is incubated with gentle stirring for 24 hours at room temperature, thereby allowing the probiotic bacteria to hydrate and activate.

(20) About 2.5 gallons of activated APICARE Syrup additive is mixed into 250 gallons of beekeeper's syrup solution (e.g., 1:1 sugar to water by weight). After mixing, the homogenous syrup is fed to colonies as described above. Before feeding with APICARE Syrup additive, symptoms of Nosema, including dysentery and crawling are observed, especially in the female worker bees after a period of wet weather in April. Yellow stripes are also seen both in and outside of the hive.

(21) After feeding as above for 4-21 days or more, the visible symptoms of Nosema are disappearing from the hive. By 3-6 weeks, the hive appears to be healthy and free of Nosema symptoms. A second feeding was undertaken in September.

EXAMPLE 2

Treatment of American Foulbrood

(22) American foulbrood infection is diagnosed in colonies after observing darkened/dead larvae in sealed cells in the bee brood. APICARE Syrup additive is made and fed to the colonies as described in Example 1.

(23) After feeding as above for 7-21 days, the visible symptoms of American Foulbrood are disappearing from the hive. By 3-6 weeks, the hive appears to be healthy and free of American Foulbrood symptoms. A second feeding was undertaken in September.

EXAMPLE 3

Treatment of Viral Pathogens

(24) Infection with a virus that causes sacbrood is diagnosed in the main brood nest of the colony after observing elevated numbers of punctured cell caps. APICARE Spray is prepared by mixing about 0.085 Kg of humic acid in about 9.462 liters of distilled water. To the dilute acid is added 4 grams of citric acid and 3.936 grams of sodium bicarbonate, 0.16 grams of brilliant blue and 0.16 grams of lemon yellow, 0.064 grams of Bacillus subtilis, 0.064 grams of Bacillus pumilus, 0.064 grams of Bacillus licheniformis, 0.064 grams of Bacillus megaterium, and 0.064 grams of Bacillus laterosporus. The APICARE Spray formulation is incubated with gentle mixing for 24 hours at room temperature before use.

(25) About 1.5 fluid oz of the activated APICARE Spray is applied directly to the top bars of the main brood nest of the colony by aerosol sprayer. The dosing continues for 15 days, one application per day. After spray application for 15 days, the visible symptoms of sacbrood are disappearing from the hive. By 3-6 weeks, the hive appears to be healthy and free of sacbrood infection. A second feeding was undertaken in September.

EXAMPLE 4

Prophylaxis and Promotion of General Colony Health Using APICARE

(26) APICARE Syrup additive is made and fed to healthy colonies in the Spring as described in Example 1. The colonies appear vibrant, healthy and free of any visible signs of Nosema, American Foulbrood and sacbrood throughout the Spring and Summer seasons.

EXAMPLE 5

Prophylaxis and Promotion of General Colony Health Using SUNSHINE

(27) SUNSHINE Spray formulation is made by mixing 4 grams of citric acid and 3.936 grams of sodium bicarbonate, 0.16 grams of brilliant blue and 0.16 grams of lemon yellow, 0.064 grams of Bacillus subtilis, 0.064 grams of Bacillus pumilus, 0.064 grams of Bacillus licheniformis, 0.064 grams of Bacillus megaterium, and 0.064 grams of Bacillus laterosporus into 2.5 gallons of 3% fulvic acid/97% purified water. After allowing the mixture to rest for 24 hours, a homogeneous mixture was observed and the bacteria were activated.

(28) Next 2.5 grams of an amalgamated powder supplement was added to the mixture. The amalgamated powder supplement included: 13% of water-soluble nitrogen, 0.1% nitrate salts, 0.2% ammonium salts, 0.24% phosphorous salts, 0.1% potassium salts (potash), 0.4% calcium salts, 3.2% alanine, 5.5% arginine, 5.0% aspartic acid, 10.0% glutamic acid, 18.0% glycine, 0.6% histidine, 2.0% isoleucine, 2.25% lysine, 1.5% phenylalanine, 8.2% proline, 2.2% serine, 1.6% threonine, 1.6% valine, and 0.8% tyrosine; the remainder of the powder consists of nucleic acid fragments, inert ingredients and moisture.

(29) After the powder supplement had dissolved in the 3% fulvic acid mixture, 1.5 oz of the SUNSHINE Spray formulation was sprayed on the top bars of the main brood cluster once a day for 15-17 days. The colonies appear vibrant, healthy and free of any visible signs of Nosema, American Foulbrood and sacbrood throughout the Spring and Summer seasons.

EXAMPLE 6

Prophylaxis and Treatment of Varroa mites

(30) APICARE Syrup additive is made and fed to healthy colonies in April and September as described in Example 1. Analyses of Varroa mite counts per 100 bees in the 8 tested hives is shown in Table 1 and compared with composite monthly national average (NHBS) and previous year's national average (Tier 4 2014).

(31) The data for Varroa presented in Table 1 was independently generated by the Bee Informed Partnership (beeinformed.org) in association with the USDA. The report further stated that greater than or equal to 5 mites per 100 bees was considered as approaching a high threshold at or beyond which the beekeeper may want to consider some Varroa mite control strategy. The data cover the time period from Summer into Fall, when mite counts tend to increase sharply. The results indicate that hives fed APICARE Syrup additive as described in Example 1 provide unexpected and dramatic resistance to mite infestation compared to the national averages, with Varroa mite counts well below the threshold.

(32) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Varroa (mites per 100 bees) Beekeeper: T415-AACK Year: 2015 Report date: 09/18/15 TEST HIVES JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER 1 0.0 0.7 1.0 2 0.0 0.0 2.8 3 0.0 0.0 2.5 4 0.0 0.7 3.0 5 0.0 0.6 0.0 6 0.0 0.5 0.0 7 0.0 0.0 1.6 8 0.0 0.0 1.7 Monthly Average 0.0 ± 0.0* 0.31 ± 0.28 1.58 ± 0.99 (Test Hives)  (8)  (8)  (8) NHBS Monthly 3.4 ± 0.43 3.99 ± 0.34 6.13 ± 0.53 Average** (335) (470) (597) Tier 4 2014 2.9 ± 0.45 4.86 ± 0.78 6.64 ± 1.11 Monthly Average.sup.§ (296) (277) (223) *Data presented: average ± 95% Confidence Interval (# of samples). **National Honey Bee Survey (NHBS) is a national effort sponsored by USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and University of Maryland (UMD). To date, the data provided for the APHIS monthly average is a composite of data from 2009-Present. .sup.§Tier 4 (Real Time Disease Load Survey) 2014 Monthly Average includes Tier 4 data starting in June 2013.

EXAMPLE 7

Prophylaxis and Treatment of Nosema

(33) APICARE Syrup additive is made and fed to healthy colonies in April and September as described in Example 1. Analyses of Nosema counts (million spores per bee) in 8 tested hives is shown in Table 2 and compared with composite monthly national average (NHBS) and previous year's national average (Tier 4 2014).

(34) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Nosema (millions of spores per bee) Beekeeper: T415-AACK Year: 2015 Report date: 09/18/15 TEST HIVES JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER 1 0.2 0.0 0.0 2 0.2 0.0 0.4 3 1.4 0.2 0.0 4 0.1 0.3 0.0 5 1.5 0.1 0.8 6 1.0 0.0 0.5 7 0.8 0.0 0.6 8 1.6 0.2 0.5 Monthly Average 0.84 ± 0.52* 0.09 ± 0.09 0.33 ± 0.25 (Test Hives)  (8)  (8)  (8) NHBS Monthly 0.37 ± 0.09  0.17 ± 0.05 0.12 ± 0.03 Average** (335) (468) (596) Tier 4 2014 2.9 ± 0.45 4.86 ± 0.78 6.64 ± 1.11 Monthly Average.sup.§ (296) (277) (223) *Data presented: average ± 95% Confidence Interval (# of samples). **National Honey Bee Survey (NHBS) is a national effort sponsored by USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and University of Maryland (UMD). To date, the data provided for the APHIS monthly average is a composite of data from 2009-Present. .sup.§Tier 4 (Real Time Disease Load Survey) 2014 Monthly Average includes Tier 4 data starting in June 2013.

(35) The data for Nosema presented in Table 2 was independently generated by the Bee Informed Partnership (beeinformed.org) in association with the USDA. The report further stated that greater than or equal to one million spores per bee was considered to be an acceptable threshold. The data cover the time period from Summer into Fall, when mite counts are typically dropping. The results indicate that hives fed APICARE Syrup additive as described in Example 1 (feeding management—in April and September) provide unexpected reduction in levels of Nosema infection compared to the national averages (particularly compared to the previous year's numbers), with Nosema spore counts largely below the threshold.