Florida Administrative Code › 5 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES › 5B - Division of Plant Industry › Chapter 5B-54 - PESTS OF HONEYBEES AND UNWANTED RACES OF HONEYBEES › Section 5B-54.017 - Destruction or Treatment of Infested or Infected Colonies

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
(1) American foulbrood (AFB),
Paenibacillus
larvae, a bacterial spore forming disease
				affecting honey bee larvae, can spread rapidly causing honey bee colony decline
				and hive mortality if left unmanaged. All colonies found infected or infested
				with AFB shall be destroyed by burning or shall be treated using irradiation as
				prescribed in subsection
				5B-54.0175(2),
				F.A.C. This destruction or treatment must be accomplished within 7 days of a
				positive diagnosis, and honey bee colonies and related equipment must be stored
				or maintained in such a manner that exposure to other honey bees is prevented.
				All colonies found in the same apiary where AFB is detected shall be
				quarantined for a minimum of 30 days after destruction or treatment by issuing
				a Notice of Quarantine, Stop-Sale And Hold Order For American Foulbrood
				Disease, FDACS-08063, revised 12/17, as incorporated in Rule
				5B-54.014, F.A.C., to determine
				apparent freedom from AFB disease.
(2) Release, Hold Order and Quarantine. An
				issued quarantine hold prohibits further sale, barter, exchange, or
				distribution of any honey bees, honey bee products, honey bee equipment, or
				other regulated articles by the firm entity. Diseased apiaries and hives
				therein will not be eligible for certification during the quarantine stage. The
				removal of any colonies of bees, queen bees, nuclei, combs and other equipment
				from such diseased and quarantined apiaries is prohibited, except under special
				authority from the Department, while the quarantine is in effect. Under
				particular circumstances, with Department approval, secured quarantined items
				may be removed to another location for destruction depending upon local burning
				ordinances. Quarantine inspections will be conducted in 30 day time period
				intervals until the existance of AFB is no longer detected within the
				quaratined apiaries. When AFB is no longer detected by the inspector, the
				Division shall have determined and declared that the disease is apparently
				eradicated from said apiaries through destruction or treatment. Only then will
				the apiaries and firm be released from quarantine hold and be able to resume
				normal operating activities. It will be the owner or manager's responsibility
				to continue with vigil inspections and related treatment.
(3) Other honey bee pests and unwanted races
				of honey bees. Discovery of other honey bee pests or unwanted races of honey
				bees in the state shall initiate the quarantine of all colonies located within
				a distance prescribed by the department of the infested apiary. All honey bees
				within the quarantine area shall be inspected. A recommended eradication or
				control method shall be determined and prescribed by the department. All honey
				bees will not be eligible for certification and released until the honey bee
				pest or unwanted races of honey bees has been eliminated and released from
				quarantine and stop sale by the Department.
Rulemaking Authority 586.10(2) FS. Law Implemented
					 586.10(3)(a), (3)(c), 586.13, 586.112
					 FS.
New 11-22-88, Amended 11-4-92, 7-9-95, 6-20-00, 8-24-05,
					 1-1-14, 3-27-18.