> Since bees don't live very long, the question would be how much
> malformed protein builds up in their systems from a prion problem,
> and is that enough to kill them before they die of "bee old age"?

As Randy pointed out, even a few days shortened lifespan can have a profound effect on hive buildup and/or production. On the other hand, the winter bees need to be able to survive up to six months and if they cannot do this, the hive will not winter over.

I believe that a prion like disorder would neatly fit the symptoms of CCD, as described. It would very likely manifest itself as a rapid evacuation of the colony by neurologically impaired bees. Either as a direct result of the impairment, or by "altruistic suicide" which has been documented to occur in hymenoptera.

In fact, "chronic wasting" disorders occur in a wide variety of species and there is absolutely no reason to suppose that honey bees are exempt from such a problem. Particulary given the long history of cyclical die-offs in bees.

Pete

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