Last night we had the state bee inspector give a talk at our local bee
club. He showed us how they identify ahb at the lab and fielded many
questions; in fact we did not take the usual break and he was kind enough
to answer beyond the time to adjourn.
Many, many facets of ahb were discussed. What stands out in my mind is what
was not said. The approach by the state is yearly inspections of commercial
operations and constant requeening of said apiaries. Supposedly this will
keep them ahb free even though (as stated by the inspector when asked) all
feral colonies from central Texas southward are ahb. From what I have read
of ahb, keeping ehb pure in ahb areas is not possible.
The inspector stated constant inspection was necessary in order to limit
liability of beekeepers. If ahb is in your area you must certify your bees
are ehb yearly (about $200, per apiary, paid to the state; the furtherence
of state beauracracy is another matter) Here is the crux of it: For the
first time on its march northward, the ahb has met LITIGATION!  This was
not a problem in Mexico southward, and IMHO this is what will drive
beekeepers from the hobby/business, not fear of working ahb.
Bob Young
Lindale,TX