Concerning Importation:
 
Dean made some valid points.  Research into mite resistance is expensive
and labor intensive. Resources available for this are increasingly limited.
The  U.S. beekeeping industry can benefit from the work accomplished abroad
as well as future collaborations in this effort. The more who are working
toward this goal, the better we will be able to build on each others
progress. For this reason, I believe private research institutions as well
as commercial queen breeders should have access to genetically improved
stock.   It will take the cooperative effort of researchers to develop the
methodology for selection for mite resistance, combined with efforts by the
industry to maintain and propagate this.  At present importation is
restricted to USDA.
 
The law, in  part this states:
Animal Health Inspection Service , USDA
Part 322 - Honey bees and Honey Bee semen
 
No persons may import honey bees or honey bee semen, except as otherwise
provided in this part.
 
The criteria for determining which countries may be listed in this part as
countries from which honey bees or honey bee semen may be imported into the
U,.S are set forth in 7 USC 281.
a.) In order to prevent the introduction and spreadof disease and parasites
harmful to honey bees, and the introduction of genetically undesirable germ
plasm of honey bees, the importation of honey bees into the  U.S of all
honey bees is prohibited, except that honey bees may be imported into the
U.S
1. By USDA for experimental or scientific purposes.
2. From countries determined by the Sec. of Agriculture.
b.) Honey bees or honey bee semen from Canada may be imported.
c.) Honey bee semen from any country listed below is designated as a
restricted article and may be imported only in accordance with the
provisions in this part. (imported under conditions specified on the
departmental permit and approved  by the Deputy Administrator)
 
Australia, Bermuda, France, Great Britian, New Zealand, Sweden
 
You can get a copy of the 1922 law from the Library of Congress. Better
yet, ask your Congressman for help.
 
 
Susan Cobey
Ohio State University
Dept. of Entomology
1735 Neil Ave.
Columbus, OH 43210
Tel.(614) 292-7928
Fax (614) 292 2180