Section 5B-54.017 - Destruction or Treatment of Infested or Infected Colonies(1) American foulbrood (AFB), Paenibacillus larvae, a bacterial spore forming disease affecting honey bee larvae, can spread rapidly causing honey bee colony decline and hive mortality if left unmanaged. All colonies found infected or infested with AFB shall be destroyed by burning or shall be treated using irradiation as prescribed in subsection 5B-54.0175(2), F.A.C. This destruction or treatment must be accomplished within 7 days of a positive diagnosis, and honey bee colonies and related equipment must be stored or maintained in such a manner that exposure to other honey bees is prevented. All colonies found in the same apiary where AFB is detected shall be quarantined for a minimum of 30 days after destruction or treatment by issuing a Notice of Quarantine, Stop-Sale And Hold Order For American Foulbrood Disease, FDACS-08063, revised 12/17, as incorporated in Rule 5B-54.014, F.A.C., to determine apparent freedom from AFB disease.(2) Release, Hold Order and Quarantine. An issued quarantine hold prohibits further sale, barter, exchange, or distribution of any honey bees, honey bee products, honey bee equipment, or other regulated articles by the firm entity. Diseased apiaries and hives therein will not be eligible for certification during the quarantine stage. The removal of any colonies of bees, queen bees, nuclei, combs and other equipment from such diseased and quarantined apiaries is prohibited, except under special authority from the Department, while the quarantine is in effect. Under particular circumstances, with Department approval, secured quarantined items may be removed to another location for destruction depending upon local burning ordinances. Quarantine inspections will be conducted in 30 day time period intervals until the existance of AFB is no longer detected within the quaratined apiaries. When AFB is no longer detected by the inspector, the Division shall have determined and declared that the disease is apparently eradicated from said apiaries through destruction or treatment. Only then will the apiaries and firm be released from quarantine hold and be able to resume normal operating activities. It will be the owner or manager's responsibility to continue with vigil inspections and related treatment.(3) Other honey bee pests and unwanted races of honey bees. Discovery of other honey bee pests or unwanted races of honey bees in the state shall initiate the quarantine of all colonies located within a distance prescribed by the department of the infested apiary. All honey bees within the quarantine area shall be inspected. A recommended eradication or control method shall be determined and prescribed by the department. All honey bees will not be eligible for certification and released until the honey bee pest or unwanted races of honey bees has been eliminated and released from quarantine and stop sale by the Department.Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 5B-54.017
Rulemaking Authority 586.10(2) FS. Law Implemented 586.10(3)(a), (3)(c), 586.13, 586.112 FS.
New 11-22-88, Amended 11-4-92, 7-9-95, 6-20-00, 8-24-05, 1-1-14, Amended by Florida Register Volume 44, Number 050, March 13, 2018 effective 3/27/2018.New 11-22-88, Amended 11-4-92, 7-9-95, 6-20-00, 8-24-05, 1-1-14, 3-27-18.