A. The State Apiarist shall examine or inspect the bees in the Commonwealth whenever they are suspected of being infected with bee diseases and, on request, shall inspect bees to be sold or to be transported interstate.

Terms Used In Virginia Code 3.2-4410

  • Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
  • Bee: means the honeybee, Apis mellifera and genetic variations thereof, at any living stage; and may include other hymenopterous insects that depend on pollen and nectar for food. See Virginia Code 3.2-4400
  • Bee diseases: means departures from a sound state of health of bees characterized by visible symptoms including American foulbrood and any other diseases, insects, mites, or bee pests. See Virginia Code 3.2-4400
  • Certificate of health: means a state-of-origin document prepared and signed by the State Apiarist or other authorized person declaring the bees, bee equipment, appliances, apiaries, and honey houses to be free of bee diseases. See Virginia Code 3.2-4400
  • Commissioner: means the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services. See Virginia Code 3.2-100
  • Process: includes subpoenas, the summons and complaint in a civil action, and process in statutory actions. See Virginia Code 1-237
  • State: when applied to a part of the United States, includes any of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands. See Virginia Code 1-245

B. If bees are found to be infected with bee diseases, the State Apiarist shall take suitable measures to eradicate or control such diseases.

C. If the owner of such diseased bees fails to take such steps as may be prescribed by the State Apiarist to eradicate or control the disease, the State Apiarist shall destroy or treat the bees, hives, and honey.

D. The State Apiarist may prohibit the removal of bees, honey, wax, combs, hives, or other used beekeeping equipment from any place where bees are known to be infected with bee diseases, until he issues a certificate of health for such place.

E. Within 10 days from the receipt of an order from the State Apiarist to destroy or treat his diseased bees, hives, honey, or appliances, any owner of diseased bees may file a written appeal with the Commissioner. Upon timely receipt of a written appeal under this section, the Commissioner shall act upon the appeal in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.).

Code 1950, §§ 3-487, 3-490, 3-491, 3-493; 1966, c. 702, §§ 3.1-592, 3.1-595, 3.1-596, 3.1-598; 1972, c. 499, §§ 3.1-610.5, 3.1-610.6, 3.1-610.11; 2008, c. 860.

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