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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