§ 5-504. Diseased colonies or equipment

   (a) Possession prohibited. -- Except as provided in this section, a person may not keep a colony or possess bee equipment that is infected with an infectious bee disease.

(b) Notice to Department. -- Each beekeeper with an infected colony shall notify the Department.

(c) Distribution. -- A beekeeper may not sell, barter, or give to any person any infected colony, bee equipment, or appliance unless it is treated in a manner that the Department approves.

(d) Quarantine; treatment; destruction. --

   (1) The Department may do any of the following:

      (i) After sending to the beekeeper a written notice of quarantine, quarantine any apiary containing an infected colony or bee equipment;

      (ii) Order treatment of an infected colony or bee equipment; and

      (iii) Order destruction of an infected colony or bee equipment.

   (2) A quarantine shall remain in effect until the Department issues a written release of the quarantine.

   (3) The Department shall instruct the beekeeper on any treatment or destruction that is ordered under this section.

HISTORY: 1980, ch. 387.