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Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:39:19 EDT |
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In a message dated 29/09/2008 23:31:47 GMT Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
Inspectors routinely trespass and coerce
beekeepers into destroying their equipment with neither probable cause
nor due process.
Do they have right of entry onto private property? How do they diagnose
problems? What diseases/pests are within their remit? Is there laboratory
confirmation of their suspicions? Is destruction of hives upon confirmation
compulsory? Is it just the innards of the hive or the whole? Is there a
compensation scheme?
Here in England, the Bee Inspectorate are generally welcomed and supported
by beekeepers. They are principally looking for AFB and EFB and are alert for
SHB and Tropilaelaps, neither of which has yet been found here. Inspectors
have a statutory right of entry, but more often than not are there by
invitation. If they diagnose AFB or EFB they take a sample to send off to the lab
for confirmation and in the meantime the apiary is placed under a 'standstill
order' which prevents the beekeeper moving any bees or equipment out of that
site until the problem has been resolved one way or another.
AFB is treated by burning the entire contents of the hive and scorching with
a blow torch the hive body. This has reduced the incidence of AFB to a
rarity. EFB used to be treated in the same way,and since the rules have been
relaxed somewhat it has flared up. It is still a 'notifiable disease' in that the
beekeeper is duty bound to call in the inspectorate if he has a mere
suspicion that his bees might have either foulbrood, but nowadays the favoured
treatment for EFB is the shook swarm and this has reasonably good results in mild
cases. Destruction may still be ordered in severe cases.
There is a compensation scheme 'Bee Diseases Insurance' which is paid for by
the beekeepers as part of their annual subscription to the BKA and this means
that the beekeeper has no incentive to conceal disease problems.
It works and we like it.
Chris
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