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Date: | Wed, 2 Aug 1995 10:58:00 -0700 |
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As I recall,
Ethylene oxide fumigation has been demonstrated to be an effective way
to decontaminate AFB infected equipment, if the treatment is done
thoroughly. The temperature, pressure and concentration of gas are
important, and have not always been well controlled in the field units
used for bee equipment. There are problems with stored pollen (it is not
nutritious to bees after fumigation) and honey (it can contain ethylene
glycol). Like gamma radiation sterilization, although the spores are
killed, the scale remains, and tests of the scale will still indicate B.
larvae spores. There are even greater concerns about operator exposure
(this even applies to the more controlled chambers used for hospital
equipment sterilization. As a result, ETO is not registered for use
against AFB in Canada.
I was surprised to hear that it is approved in Maryland (or is it just
used?).
Kerry Clark, Apiculture Specialist
B.C. Ministry of Agriculture
1201 103 Ave
Dawson Creek B.C.
V1G 4J2 CANADA Tel (604) 784-2225 fax (604) 784-2299
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