Contents
“Oxybactocide” is a bacteriostatic drug of the latest generation, which is used for the prevention and treatment of bees from foul diseases. Stops the reproduction of infectious agents: gram-negative, gram-positive pathogenic microorganisms.
Application in beekeeping
An indication for the use of “Oxybactocide” in beekeeping is a bacterial infection – American or European foulbrood, caused by pathogenic microorganisms:
- streptococcal bacterium Pluto;
- Paenibacillus larvae, a spore-forming bacillus;
- Alvey bacillus;
- Streptococcus Apis.
The drug is designed to destroy the causative agent of foulbrood infection of bees. The infection affects sealed brood and five-day-old larvae. Spread through adults. When cleaning the hive, the spores enter the oral cavity of the bee; when feeding the brood, the pathogen with honey enters the intestines, infecting the young. The larva dies, the body turns dark brown or takes the form of a liquid mass with a characteristic smell of carpentry glue.
Release form, composition of the drug
The active substance in the composition of “Oxybactocide” is oxytetracycline hydrochloride, a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Auxiliary components of the drug: glucose, ascorbic acid.
The pharmaceutical industry produces the drug in two forms:
- in the form of thick paper strips impregnated with the active substance oxytetracycline hydrochloride, packed in 10 pieces per bag;
- in the form of a powder of dark yellow color, 5 g in a bag of polymeric material, the amount of the drug is designed for 10 applications.
Pharmacological properties
The active substance in the composition of “Oxybactocide”, produced for bees, stops the reproduction of gram-negative, gram-positive bacteria. The mechanism of action of the drug is based on the blockade of protein synthesis in the RNA of bacterial cells by inhibiting the function of ribosomes. The cell membrane is destroyed, which leads to the death of the microorganism.
Instructions for use of Oxybactocide for bees
The treatment of bees with “Oxybactocide” is carried out in early spring after the flight, before the massive collection of bee bread, in the summer, when the bee product was pumped out. Previously, the infected family is transferred to an uninfected hive. Sick queens are removed, those capable of reproduction are planted.
Foulbrood can infect healthy individuals, therefore inventory, hives and honeycombs are processed throughout the apiary.
Oxybactocide (powder): instructions for use
The instructions for “Oxybactocide” indicate that the drug for bees is added to a dense mass made from honey and powdered sugar (kandi), which is then fed to insects. The medicine is diluted in syrup and given to bees. Therapeutic activities are carried out in the spring. In summer, the drug is diluted in a sugar solution and irrigated with a spray bottle of adults, frames and brood.
Oxybactocide (strips): instructions for use
Plates 150 mm long, 25 mm wide, impregnated with the active substance, are placed vertically between the frames, for this they are attached to a wire or a special device. Work is carried out in the spring with an interval of 7 days. The old drug is replaced with a new one at least three times.
Dosage, application rules
Strips of “Oxybactocide” are hung in the gap between the frames with the brood and the next (covering) behind it. Calculation of the preparation: one plate for 6 nested frames. The course of treatment is three weeks, the strips are changed every 7 days.
Using the powder “Oxybactocide” with candy:
- Prepare dough from honey and sugar 5 kg.
- 5 g of powder is added to the finished mixture.
- Lay out on the hives with the expectation of 500 g per family of bees.
Dosage with syrup:
- Prepare a syrup consisting of 6,2 kg of sugar and 6,2 liters of water (1:1).
- In warm water 50 ml dissolve 5 g of “Oxybactocide”.
- Add to syrup, stir well.
Feed the bees 100 g per frame.
Summer treatment with the drug:
- Mix 5 g of powder with 50 ml of water.
- Prepare 1,5 liters of sugar syrup in a ratio of 1:5.
- Add the prepared remedy to the syrup.
The mixture is sprayed on both sides of the frame with bees, the infected areas with brood are intensively treated (at the rate of 15 ml per frame). Processing is carried out once every six days until the signs of foulbrood are completely destroyed.
Side effects, contraindications, restrictions on use
“Oxybactocide” was tested, during the experimental use of contraindications were not identified. Subject to the recommended dosage, the drug does not have a detrimental effect on the bee’s body, and there are no side effects either. It is recommended to stop the treatment 10 days before the extraction of honey and before the mass collection of honey.
Shelf life and storage conditions of the drug
“Oxybactocid” is stored in the manufacturer’s packaging for 2 years from the date of issue. Optimum temperature: from zero to +260 C, no UV exposure. It is necessary to store the drug away from food and animal feed, and also out of reach of children.
Conclusion
“Oxybactocide” is an antibacterial agent used to treat bees from foulbrood. Available in the form of strips and powder. Used to prevent and treat infections, available without a prescription.