Posted: Monday, September 24, 2012 9:57 AM
Zombie bees reported in Kent, first in Washington
SEATTLE (AP) -- Zombie bees have been reported in Washington.
Novice beekeeper Mark Hohn in Kent found that his bees are infected with a parasite that causes them to fly at night and lurch around erratically until they die.
The Seattle Times reports (http://is.gd/ji7UNX ) it's the first time the infected bees have been found in the state, according to tracking by San Francisco State University biologist John Hafernik through his website ZombeeWatch.org.
It's another problem for bees that are needed to pollinate crops.
The zombie bees also are being studied Steve Sheppard, chairman of the entomology department at Washington State University.
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Information from: The Seattle Times, http://www.seattletimes.com
Copyright 2012 The AP.