02 NCAC 48A .0209          INSPECTION OF NUCLEI AND QUEEN BREEDING APIARIES

(a)  No one shall sell queen bees, package bees, or nuclei in North Carolina without having the bees from which the above are produced, inspected, and found apparently disease free by the State Apiarist.

(b)  All nuclei, package bees, and queen bees produced in North Carolina must have a North Carolina health certificate attached to each shipment from the producer's apiary.  The health certificate shall be issued in accordance with these rules.

(c)  Beekeepers shall not sell nuclei, package bees, or queens produced in other states from North Carolina locations without having a North Carolina health certificate on all the bees they own in North Carolina issued in accordance with these rules.

(d)  If the inspector has reason to believe that bees or equipment offered for sale are symptomless carriers of any disease or disorder listed in these rules he may forbid movement or sale of said bees and equipment and compliance with the order shall be enforced.

(e)  A protective quarantine area of a two‑mile radius shall exist around the production apiaries of certified nuclei, queen bee, or package bee producers in North Carolina.  No one shall move bees into the quarantined area without a health certificate issued by the State Apiarist based on an inspection 30 days prior to movement.

(f)  All persons who sell, ship, or deliver either queen bees, package bees, or nuclei in North Carolina must keep complete records of their acquisitions, sales, shipments, or deliveries.  These records must show contents of shipments; where sold, shipped, or delivered; to whom sold, shipped, or delivered; and the date sold, shipped, or delivered.  These records must be kept for three years after the transaction and must be made available to any North Carolina Department of Agriculture apiary inspector on request.  All persons who sell, ship, or deliver either queen bees, package bees, or nuclei in North Carolina must register with the Plant Industry Division of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 106‑638;

Eff. January 1, 1985;

Amended Eff. December 1, 1988.