Hi Everyone,
Jim wrote in part ( small part ):

"The "current level of protection" in the US includes inspection and
quarantine
of every and every imported live bee."

Sorry Jim but there is no inspection required for bees from Canada at
all.  No requirements at the federal level at all.  None.  Only state
requirements apply which vary somewhat from state to state but most
require inspection and certification of the health status of the bees
from "point or origin".  This would be the same as would be required
under the APHIS proposal.  Inspection from country of origin would still
be required with certificates along with the shipment.  Only real change
is adding Australia and New Zealand to the list of countries that can
ship bees into the US under proper inspection and certification.
Interesting discussion but it just doesn't seem to be something to get
alarmed about.  The last problem was imported without bringing in bees -
small hive beetles.  Other problems are just as likely to come in with
general trade as with the regulated trade in live bees with inspection
and certification procedures to help find and stop problems before they
are shipped.  No system can be devised that will keep out all bees or
exotic pests that could become a problem.  Someone will figure out a way
around the system and can thereby put an entire industry at risk - how
do you think we got varroa in the late 1980's when imports of live bees
were banned from everywhere except Canada?  We didn't get varroa from
Canada - they got it from us.


FWIW

blane


******************************************
Blane White
MN Dept of Agriculture
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