Mass Die-Off of Bees Near Medford

MEDFORD, Ore. (KPTV) -- Something is killing hives of bees near
Medford and beekeepers think pesticides are to blame.

Beekeepers in Sams Valley think pesticide or weed spraying may be the
cause of hundreds of hive losses.

Keepers like Gene Pringle and his son Larry have reported losing
their entire commercial stock of 400 hives. Another nearby commercial
keeper, Morris Saltekoff, says he's lost 300 hives -- his entire
stock.

Both commercial keepers are sure that the die-off stems from a chemical
source.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture says pesticides are not to
blame. According to preliminary analysis by the department's
pesticide division, the die-off seems to be an isolated problem.


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