Honey bee mortality and pesticides residues: a case study in Santa Catarina, Brazil
Keywords:
Pesticides, Pollinators, Surveillance, One HealthAbstract
Honey bee mortality in agricultural areas represents a relevant environmental concern due to its impacts on ecosystem services, food security, and the sustainability of production systems. This study aimed to analyze agricultural defense data from Santa Catarina, Brazil, regarding honey bee mortality cases associated with pesticide use between 2022 and 2025. This is an exploratory, retrospective case study based on the analysis of laboratory reports and evaluated using descriptive statistics. A total of 49 laboratory reports related to honey bee mortality were analyzed, of which 12 showed pesticide residue detection. The proportion of positive reports varied across years, with 2024 standing out (44%), which also showed the greatest diversity of active ingredients, including fipronil, a compound highly toxic to bees. The results highlight the role of surveillance as a strategic tool for agricultural defense, supporting public policy formulation and advancing the One Health approach.
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