Oxybee

Oxybee is a medicine used to treat varroosis in honey bee colonies. Varroosis is a disease of honey bees caused by infestation with a parasite called varroa mite (Varroa destructor). The varroa mite feeds on the haemolymph (blood) of adult bees and on brood (developing stages of the honey bee) resulting in harm and/or death of bees; the mite can also help spread viruses and bacteria. A significant mite infestation can lead to the collapse of a honey bee colony. Oxybee can only be used on colonies without brood.

Oxybee contains the active substance oxalic acid.

Oxybee is available as a powder and solution to prepare a bee-hive dispersion (a liquid for use inside the bee hive) and can be obtained without a prescription. Oxybee is trickled onto bees in the hive and should only be used when the temperature outside the hives is at least 3˚C. The dispersion should be warmed to 30-35˚C before application.

For further information, see the package leaflet.

How oxalic acid works on mites is not well understood but is thought to be due to the acidity of the medicine, which kills the mites on contact.

The effectiveness of Oxybee against varroa mites was investigated in two field studies in European countries with different climates. In the first study treatment with Oxybee was compared to another oxalic acid medicine and to a group with no treatment whilst in the second study treatment with Oxybee was compared to a group with no treatment. Dead mites were counted daily in the first study and three times per week in the second study for three weeks post treatment. The effectiveness of Oxybee to kill mites was 97% and 95% in these studies.

The most common side effect with Oxybee (which may affect more than 1 in 10 bee colonies) is an increased number of bee deaths. This did not affect long-term development of colonies.

For the full list of restrictions, see the package leaflet.

Oxybee is highly acidic and could be irritating or corrosive to the skin, eyes and mucous membranes (inner lining of body cavities like the mouth or nose). Contact with these areas should be avoided, both directly and by hand-to-mouth or hand-to-eye contact. Protective clothing, acid resistant gloves and safety glasses should be worn during treatment. Contaminated clothing should be removed immediately. Hands and exposed skin should be washed with soap and plenty of water immediately. People must not eat, drink or smoke while using the medicine. Used measuring devices and empty containers should be disposed of immediately in a safe way.

If the product is accidentally swallowed by a person, their mouth should be cleaned with water and water or milk should be drunk, but vomiting should not be induced. In case of eye contact, the affected eye should be rinsed thoroughly with water (contact lenses should be removed first). Medical advice should be sought immediately and the package leaflet or label shown to the doctor.

The withdrawal period is the time required after administration of a medicine before honey may be used for human consumption.

The withdrawal period for honey from honey bees treated with Oxybee is ‘zero’ days, which means there is no mandatory waiting time.

The Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Veterinary Use (CVMP) concluded that Oxybee’s benefits are greater than its risks and recommended that it be approved for use in the EU.

The European Commission granted a marketing authorisation valid throughout the EU for Oxybee on 1 February 2018.

For more information about treatment with Oxybee, animal owners or keepers should read the package leaflet or contact their veterinarian or pharmacist.