Gerard Worrell kindly forwarded the note about bees being used to
   disperse nuclear polyhedrosis virus of corn earworm, but was concerned
   about the public relations problem of honey from such "pesticide
   contaminated" bees and hives.
 
   I'd consider wisely-aimed insect viruses as a pest management tool that
   could reduce "traditional" pesticide use, and the bee kill and other
   problems they may cause. I don't know if any of the virus (or talc
   carrier) ends up in honey.. I'd guess extremely little or none, but even
   if it were detectable, I think exposure through such honey to these
   viruses would have no significance to non-insects.
   The bees are obviously closer to any potential problem (the product
   mixing with pollen, etc). I would expect that (and other non-target
   exposure) would have to be well addressed, but again, the virus used is
   probably of no significance to bees. That's what the assessment prior to
   pesticide registration addresses.
 
   It might require some public education effort.
 
 
   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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