"Commercial Bees Threaten Wild Bees, Say Researchers"

"The trade in bees used for honey or to pollinate crops could have a devastating impact on wild bees and other insects, say scientists.

New measures are needed to stop diseases carried by commercial bees spilling over into the wild, says a University of Exeter team.

Evidence suggests bees bred in captivity can carry diseases that could be a risk to native species.

Bees are used commercially to pollinate crops such as peppers and oilseed rape.

Species of bees used for this purpose, or in commercial hives, are known to suffer from parasite infections and more than 20 viruses."

Helen Briggs reports for BBC News January 19, 2015.