Excerpts from BEE-L wrote:
>
> From:          Allen Dick <[log in to unmask]>
> To:            [log in to unmask]
>
> Did anyone see this?  Try http://www.usgov.gov/news/aprlflls/
>
> (I take no responsibility for the content of that purported site and
> advise readers to verify the facts before reacting.  The purported article
> is too long to quote here, so I'll just use a few lines here and there...
> and you can search for the rest).
>
> > USDA Opens Borders to Importation of New Zealand Bees
>
> > In a surprise move,  US and New Zealand officials announced jointly
> > this morning that beginning 4/1/98, the US will allow importation and
> > trans-shipment of New Zealand bees to and through all US states,
> > including Hawaii...
>
> > ... After several years of low key discussions between agriculture
> > officials it has been determined that New Zealand bees are entirely free
> > of any harmful viruses and other diseases or pests that might affect
> > American beekeeping other than American Foulbrood (AFB), a disease which
> > exists throughout the USA anyhow. However to prevent transmission of any
> > new stains of AFB, the protocol requires that any apiaries from which
> > owners plan to export bees to the USA be treated with oxytetracycline
> > for at least three months previous to any shipment.
>
> > ...Moreover, in a new initiative for more open trade worldwide, it is
> > expected that the Canadian border will be opened to US bee imports
> > within the month...  Further, the restrictions on Chinese honey imports
> > to the USA will be withdrawn June 1...
>
> ... in contemplating the meaning of this report, readers are advised to
> consider the date of its transmission...
>
> ---
> Disclaimer: The articles on Best of Bee are often opinion
> rather than fact, and are not necessarily completely researched.
> Use with caution -- and at your own risk.
ALLEN,
IT DON'T WORK