There are no reports of acute poisoning from Gypchek. Because Gypchek contains gypsy moth parts, irritation of eyes, skin and respiratory tract may occur. However, these reactions also occur with exposure to gypsy moth parts in the natural setting. In dispersal, the insect matter corresponds to approx. 667 caterpillars per acre compared with 10,000-100,000 caterpillars per acre during heavy infestations.
Workers are more likely to be affected than the general public due to greater exposure.
The virus represents a complex of 10 closely related genotypic variants. Based upon biochemical and biophysical analyses, serological and immunological testing, and enzymic analysis of viral DNA, these variants have been shown to be unrelated to human and other mammalian viruses and only distantly related to other insect viruses. Environmental Factors Baculoviruses, which attack arthropods and which group includes the gypsy moth NPV, are found wherever insects exists. Being readily carried by wind and rain, it is likely that every piece of land and body of water contains some virus particles and most produce probably is 'contaminated'. This may be considered indirect evidence for the safety of these agents.