Effect of colony antibiotic application on individual honey bee development and fat reserves

Oxytetracycline is a common antibiotic used in the bee hive against foul brood disease. This antibiotic is used for prolonged periods by repeated applications for increased efficacy. The application period covers the whole developmental time span of worker brood. We examined effects of this treatment on worker bee growth and development by examining fat reserves of bees cross-fostered in treatment and control colonies. The implications on colony performance and worker health will be discussed.