As we start ordering bees, perhaps this news will help prevent the spread of
SHB from any apiaries supplying bees to the rest of the country.

Jean-Francois Lariviere
http://www.BeeHealthyFarms.com
New York NY 10025

Pesticide Temporarily Cleared For Use in Georgia Beehives, According to the
Georgia Department of Agriculture

ATLANTA, Jan. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy
Irvin announced today that beekeepers in Georgia have been temporarily
cleared to use the pesticide Coumaphos impregnated in plastic strips in their
hives to control Varroa mite and small hive beetle.

The temporary clearance comes as a result of Commissioner Irvin's appeal to
the United States Environmental Protection Agency for an emergency exemption
for Georgia's beekeepers.

One important restriction for Coumaphos-treated hives is that honey from
these hives will have to be removed from the comb before it is sold.  For
information and restrictions on using Coumophos, beekeepers should contact
Doug Jones (telephone: 404-656-4958) or Mike Evans (404-651-9486) at the
Georgia Department of Agriculture.

"Varroa mites and small hive beetles are causing our honeybee population to
dwindle," said Commissioner Irvin.  "These pests have had a serious
detrimental effect on commercial beekeeping in Georgia and the pollination
services it provides the state's fruit and vegetable growers.  Honeybees play
an important role in pollinating many fruits and vegetables and are
responsible for pollinating plants that account for approximately one-third
of the food we eat," said Irvin.

SOURCE  Georgia Department of Agriculture

CO:  Georgia Department of Agriculture

ST:  Georgia

IN:  AGR ENV FOD

SU:

01/26/2000 10:31 EST http://www.prnewswire.com