When an infected colony is found, either when it is brought to the attention of the Experiment Station or is found during routine inspections by Ira Kettle, the Experiment Station's bee inspector, the infected colonies must be destroyed by burning. Although we find foulbrood every year, it is more widespread than usual. We want beekeepers to notify us if they suspect foulbrood in their hives so we can inspect them on site. In addition, we suspect there are beekeepers in the state who are unaware of the requirement for registration whose hives are not inspected and who will not receive this letter warning of foulbrood. We urge any unregistered beekeepers to contact us to register.
Honey bees are most important because they pollinate fruit crops and many flowering vegetables.
Bees purchased out of state may carry foulbrood. Therefore the law requires that shipments of honey bees originating in other states be accompanied by a state-issued certificate verifying the good health of the bees. If there is no certificate, the bees cannot be transported or sold unless inspected by the Experiment Station. Foulbrood may also be spread at or between apiaries by adult bees drifting from an infested hive to another hive or by equipment that has come into contact with an infected hive, Magnarelli said. State of Connecticut Disclaimer and Privacy Policy.