Apiary Inspection Procedures

PURPOSE: This rule establishes apiary inspection procedures. (1) Apiary inspection procedures are as follows: (A) Bees shall be inspected on a random sampling basis as listed: 1. Apiary of one to fifteen (1–15) colonies, all hives are to be opened and inspected; 2. Apiary of sixteen to ninety-nine (16– 99) colonies, fifteen (15) hives opened and inspected on a random sampling basis, using a random numbers table to eliminate human influence. All colonies suspected of disease are to be opened and inspected in addition to the others. If more than two percent (2%) of colonies inspected are diseased, all hives are to be opened and inspected; 3. Apiaries having more than one hundred (100) colonies shall be divided into smaller lots of less than one hundred (100) colonies each and sampled separately; and 4. For nonrequested inspections, apiaries will be inspected as provided for in paragraphs (1)(A)1., 2. and 3. of this rule, only after written notice to the owner and when there is probable cause to believe disease exists. Probable cause shall be determined by some type of tangible evidence, such as disease within a two (2)-mile radius of the apiary, evidence that bees have been moved from a diseased apiary or a diagnostic report from the United States Department of Agriculture, Science and Education Administration Bioenvironmental Bee Laboratory. AUTHORITY: section 264.095, RSMo 1986.* Original rule filed Oct. 12, 1978, effective Feb. 1, 1979. *Original authority: 264.095, RSMo 1985.