Time runs out on Sunday, Nov 17th.
That's this Sunday.
Unless a very large number of you object, the USA will set a new low in
"World Trade", and set a precedent that will allow the shipment of queens,
packages, pollen, and "honey for bee feed" without even samples being taken
at port-of-entry to detect diseases or pests.
Even if you are not a US beekeeper, these "rules" could be forced
upon your country next. Let's halt the nonsense here and now.
No matter where you live, please send an e-mail before Nov 18, to:
[log in to unmask]
with the subject:
Docket No. 98-109-1
Please ask them to:
Extend the comment period to Jan 31, 2003
And, just in case they don't extend, consider adding a statement that
you would like to see an port-of-entry inspection and testing program
implemented, as is done by every other WTO trading partner with all
imports of live animals and plants.
Please include your name and snail-mail postal address (they require it).
The rules as proposed overtly ALLOW the shipper to send live bees
to the continental US with ANY or ALL of the following diseases,
simply by listing the pests or diseases on the "certificate":
1) American Foulbrood
2) Chalkbrood
3) European Foulbrood
4) Nosema
5) Sacbrood
6) Any/all of 9 Different Viruses
7) Any/all of 5 Different mites, including varroa
Why? Because any pest or disease sighted ANYWHERE in your country
is (under these rules) not one that you can object to getting more of.
The proposed rule would also allow the importation of beeswax that
has been no more than "liquefied", and "honey for bee feed" that has
simply been heated to 100 C for 30 mins, neither process having ANY
practical impact on diseases that might be latent in these products.
Why? We don't know either. It appears to be due to a complete lack
of basic knowledge of bee pests and diseases.
And yeah, suuuuuure - we expect all that "honey for bee feed" to be kept
out of the retail human honey supply, don't we? Yeah, right...
The proposal even allows individuals to "import" live bees in their LUGGAGE!
With nothing more than a "certificate".
Yes, anyone.
A very unusual "gift item".
So "bee smuggling" will be much, much "easier".
...but don't dare try to carry a penknife on an airplane - you will be arrested.
Below are the links to the relevant documents.
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2002_register&docid=02-20941-filed
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2002_register&docid=02-20941-filed.pdf
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/pra/honeybees/
Thanks!
jim
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