>Shouldn't we interpret
this unpublished research to mean that "Colonies that are weakened
by environmental pollution are more susceptible to pathogens"?

Ernie, it works in both directions!  I'd be careful about drawing any
conclusions from an unpublished study, as we cannot even look at the methods
or data.  I have thoroughly analyzed some of the studies that appear to
condemn imidicloprid, and find egregious errors!

>It was my understanding (correct me if i am wrong)  that indaclopramide in
> termites lowers their immune system till they can not fight off infections
> and that is how it kills them.


Yes Eric, that is a misinterpretation.  Imidacloprid interferes with their
grooming behavior, and they don't remove fungus spores before they
germinate.  It is not a matter of affecting the internal immune system.

Randy Oliver

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