Okla. Admin. Code § 35:30-38-5

Current through Vol. 42, No. 4, November 1, 2024

Section 35:30-38-5 - Certificate of inspection

(a) The Department may conduct inspections of apiary or hive locations as deemed necessary to determine the presence of bee diseases or pests.

(b) Any person may request an apiary inspection from the Department.

(1) The request for inspection shall be written and include the name, address, and telephone number of the owner, the number of colonies to be inspected, and the destination state, if applicable.

(2) The owner shall pay an inspection fee based on the total number of hives listed on the certificate of inspection.

(c) Inspection procedures.

(1) Inspections shall be performed using a random number table.

(2) A minimum of fifteen (15) hives shall be inspected. If there are less than fifteen (15) hives, all of the hives shall be inspected.

(3) A minimum of fifteen percent (15%) of the total number of hives to be certified will be opened and inspected for bee diseases or pests.

(4) Bees shall only be maintained in a removable frame hive that permits the thorough examination of every comb.

(A) If the removable frame requirement is not met, the Department shall notify the owner in writing.

(B) Any person may make a written request for an exemption to this requirement that shall include justification for the request.

(5) Upon completion of the inspection a certificate of inspection shall be issued to the owner of the bees stating that the apiary is either:

(A) Apparently free of bee diseases or pests; or

(B) Not free of a bee diseases or pests and listing all bee diseases and pests found during the inspection.

(6) Standard precautions for the prevention of transmission of bee diseases or pests to humans, animals, and bees during inspections shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(A) All necessary precautions shall be taken to properly disinfect all tools and any other thing that may have come into contact with bees or equipment that may have bee diseases or pests.

(B) Prior to entering or exiting any premise, all appropriate measures shall be taken to prevent the spread of any bee disease or pest by ensuring infested material is not adhered to any person, clothing, or tools or appliances.

Okla. Admin. Code § 35:30-38-5

Added at 23 Ok Reg 878, eff 5-11-06