Bug Zappers Found to Spread Viruses

Flies killed in an electronic bug zapper can leave a parting gift: a shower of viruses spread nearby, according to a report released at a meeting of the American Society for Microbiology in Chicago. The report said studies found that viruses on the surfaces of flies are scattered in far greater numbers when the insect is electrocuted in one of the devices than are viruses carried internally. The finding was based on experiments using a virus that is similar in size and shape to the human polio virus.