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| Tenn. law requires beekeepers to state-register their colonies |
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is encouraging all beekeepers to register their colonies in compliance with state law, which requires all apiarists or beekeepers re-register with TDA every three years.
“Bee pollination is estimated to contribute as much as $118 million in additional value to Tennessee crops, so it is critical to keep our bee colonies healthy,” said State Apiarist Mike Studer. “By registering Tennessee beekeepers, we are helping protect a very important resource to the state.”
Beekeepers may register online. Once registered, the state apiarist is able to contact beekeepers in the event of a disease outbreak or aerial pesticide spraying in their area. Registration also gives beekeepers the opportunity for free inspections to make sure their colonies are healthy.
The current outbreak of American Foulbrood in the Upper Cumberland region is an example of why registration is so important. Colonies within a five-mile radius of a positive colony must be inspected.
American Foulbrood is a highly contagious bacterial disease of honeybee larvae and pupae. Diseased colonies usually die and there are no known treatments to cure the disease.
“We typically find eight cases a year of American Foulbrood in Tennessee,” said Studer. “This week alone, I’ve seen 44 cases of this very contagious disease, so being registered and staying informed is critically important for protecting our bee population.”
For more information on TDA’s Apiary Section or to register, visit www.TN.gov/ agriculture/regulatory/apiary.html |
| 9/1/2010 |
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