Here's an email I got this morning.
From: "Kim Flottum" <Kim@BeeCulture.com>
Subject: CATCH THE BUZZ Oz Imports to continue, it seems
X-Ezezine: (1636.15745.3099)
This ezine is also available online at
http://home.ezezine.com/1636/1636-2008.12.24.14.48.archive.html
CATCH THE BUZZ
Imports From Australia To Continue...
This came across my keyboard earlier today. Due to the Holiday I have not been able to confirm it, nor am I certain of the conditions that were agreed upon. However, quarantines around those areas where Apis cerana have been discovered were discussed, security at the origianl port of entry and at additional ports were checked, samples were examined for exotic diseases and pests with none found (or none in European bees anyway), and determination of the extent of the original infestation and its spread made and found to be marginal. But, as I said, I haven't been able to confrim all of these conditions yet. I imagine we will have all the details shortly after the Holiday.
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On Tue, Dec 23, 2008 at 11:42 AM, <Janel.L.Barsi@aphis.usda.gov> wrote:
Thank you for contacting the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) with your concerns about honeybee imports from Australia. APHIS has decided that based on the information provided by Australia, we will continue to allow imports of honeybees under the revised export certification conditions that were agreed to by APHIS and the Australian Embassy earlier this month.
Please contact me if you have any further questions.
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Janel Barsi
Plant Health Programs
Plant Protection and Quarantine
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
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