"In America, 24 states are affected and losses of 50 to 90 per cent of colonies have been recorded. CCD recently spread to Poland, Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal and last week some keepers in Britain reported losses exceeding the 10 per cent of colonies that usually die during winter."

Honey bees, especially the queen bee, have been traditionally renowned for their longevity and been the subject of scientific research. **Vitellogenin (Vg), a yolk protein, has been found to contribute to longevity in both queen and worker bees. While bees lack many antioxidants commonly found in other animal species.

A reduction in the bee population will not only reduce the number of pollinators for our food crops, but has far reaching implications for all species.

**refer http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070508190031.htm

Thanks for the link, Togo.