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Véto-pharma announces the launch of a new innovative, economical and easy-to-use anti-Varroa treatment: Oxybee. This product, which is compatible with organic beekeeping, will be distributed exclusively by Véto-pharma in European Union member states*. So, what’s new about it? It contains glycerol to help the oxalic acid adhere more effectively to the bees. An important step forward for beekeepers in their fight against the Varroa mite.

A new oxalic acid-based treatment that can be used in organic beekeeping

A new innovative formula in the fight against the Varroa mite Véto-pharma will soon be distributing Oxybee, an innovative Varroa treatment based on oxalic acid, glycerol and aniseed and eucalyptus essential oils, in the European Union. This product is compatible with organic beekeeping. The use of glycerol is a key benefit for this new product as this ingredient improves the adherence of the oxalic acid to the bees and, as a result, its dissemination through contact within the colony.(1) In a field study, Oxybee proved more effective than another oxalic acid-based medicine without glycerol (study carried out on 45 hives, 3 groups of 15 hives across 2 sites in Germany [Bavaria and Lower Saxony]).(2)

Easy to use treatment

Oxybee comes in the form of a ready-to-use solution, comprising a sachet of powder (containing the essential oils and sugar) and a bottle of oxalic acid. After mixing the sucrose powder with the solution in the bottle, the beekeeper drips the product inside the hive using a syringe. Oxalic acid has never been so simple to use. This process makes life easier for beekeepers as the methods currently available in most European countries require them to prepare a sugar syrup themselves and then add the correct dosage of oxalic acid. This involves greater exposure to oxalic acid for beekeepers and also increases the risk of under- or over-dosing.

Raphaèle Massard, President of Véto-pharma, explains “as a key player in bee health, Véto-pharma wanted to provide a new product to help beekeepers treat their hives against the Varroa mite. At the same time, we were aware that oxalic acid, which is widely used in the fight against the Varroa mite, can be dangerous to use. We therefore wanted to make life easier for beekeepers by offering them a turnkey, ready-to-use solution. With Oxybee, your hives will be treated using a very precise and sufficient dose.”

An economical product: it can be stored for 12 months after opening

Oxybee also offers excellent storage conditions after mixing in comparison to the other oxalic acid-based treatments available. In comparison, the other treatments (3) must be used within a maximum of 30 days after mixing, whereas Oxybee can be stored for 12 months in the refrigerator (4) (and can be stored for 24 months in its original packaging). This extended shelf life makes Oxybee the most economical product currently on offer. (3)

Oxybee-vetopharma

*Excluding Austria

About Véto-pharma:

Véto-pharma is a 100% French pharmaceutical laboratory dedicated to bee health. Véto-pharma develops and distributes a range of innovative products to support beekeepers in over 30 countries worldwide. Véto-pharma also distributes Apivar, an amitraz-based Varroa treatment, Varroa EasyCheck, an infestation monitoring tool that checks for the Varroa mite, and VespaCatch, an Asian hornet trap and attractant solution.

References:

1- Laub, E., Marx R. (1987) Glycerin, a natural ingredient of honey, Lebensmittel chem. Gerichtl. Chem.41, 110.

2- Efficacy trial Oxybee – Germany 2012 (study presented in Market authorization dossier).

3- Compared to other registered products without glycerol

4- If mixed in accordance with the instructions (see paragraph 6.3 of the Oxybee SPC)

Legal notices:

OXYBEE powder and solution for 39,4 mg/ml bee-hive dispersion for honey bees. Composition: 1 ml of mixed bee-hive dispersion contains 39,4 mg of oxalic acid dehydrate. Indication(s) for use: For the treatment of varroosis (Varroa destructor) of honey bees (Apis mellifera) in brood free colonies. Contraindication(s): None. Adverse reactions: In clinical trials, increased bee mortality was very commonly (more than 1 in 10 colonies treated displaying adverse reaction(s)) observed. This did not affect long-term development of colonies. Withdrawal period(s): Honey: zero days. Do not use during honey flow. Read carefully the instructions on the product label before use. Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product: This veterinary medicinal product is highly acidic and could have irritating and corrosive effects on the skin, eyes and mucous membranes. Avoid oral exposure, including hand-to-mouth contact. Avoid direct skin and eye contact, as well as hand-to-eye contact. Personal protective equipment consisting of protective clothing, acid-proof gloves and safety glasses should be worn. Wash hands and exposed skin with soap and plenty of water immediately. Do not eat, drink or smoke whilst handling and applying the veterinary medicinal product. Remove contaminated clothing immediately. Used measuring devices and empty containers should be disposed of immediately in a proper way. In case of accidental ingestion, clean the mouth with water and drink water or milk, but do not induce vomiting. In case of eye contact, immediately rinse the eye thoroughly with water (remove contact lenses first). Seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or the label to the physician. Marketing authorisation holder: Dany Bienenwohl GmbH, Geyerspergerstr. 27, 80689 Munich, Germany. Distributed by: Veto-Pharma, 14 avenue du Québec, ZA Courtaboeuf, 91140 Villebon-sur-Yvette, France. V0718. Oxybee is a veterinary medicine. Please ask advice to your veterinarian, pharmacist or sanitary organization. In case of persistence of clinical signs, consult with your veterinarian.

OXY-16-EU-N02-07/18