Hi Mike This is what the official version says: In September 2004 someone in Portugal imported 120 Queens from the USA. 2 days after the queens had been put into the hives, the national laboratory of Portugal examined the cages in which the queens had been transported as well as the small number of attendant bees. They found some eggs and some larvae of the shb. All hives were killed and the combs and suppers were burned and the ashes dig into the ground 1 meter deep. The soil was desinfected 4 meters around the place where the hives were and to a depth of 30 cm. In addition the ground was covered with a plastic about 8 meters around the hives. This area will be closely watched for any beetles emerging. What is astonishing is the fact, that importing bees from the USA was forbidden by the EU commission because of the shb. Still they have imported it. If this was not legal, then, why did the national laboratory inspect the cages? If I would import something illegally, then I certainly would not advise the authorities of this??? regards, dieter :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::