Subject: Importation of Honeybee Queens from Continental US

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is proposing to amend the current regulation that prohibits the importation of honeybees from the continental United States. The amendment will allow the importation of honeybee queens and their attendants from the continental U.S. Packaged bees will continue to be prohibited from importation.

This action is being undertaken after CFIA was advised of major shortages of available queens in many provinces during the spring of 2003 and was requested to review Canada's import policies for honeybees. The risk assessment on the importation of U.S. bees also determined that the import of honeybee queens poses a lesser disease risk than packaged bees.

The proposed amendment will not result in the uncontrolled entry of honeybee queens into Canada. The existing provisions of the Health of Animal Regulations require importation to occur with the use of an import permit. The conditions of the import permit will be further developed with industry and other stakeholders

Could you please circulate this to the provincial apiculturists and regional industry associations. If there are comments or concerns at this time, I would ask that they be forwarded to Dr. Samira Belaissaoui, Staff Veterinarian, at belaissaouis@inspection.gc.ca  or by facsimile to (613) 228-6630. I would also remind Canadian Stakeholders that they will have an opportunity to comment on the proposed amendment following its publication in the Canada Gazette I.

Yours sincerely,

Dr. Sarah Kahn, BVSc, MSc
Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer and Director
Animal Health and Production Division
Tel: (613) 225-2342, Ext. 4602
Fax: (613) 228-6631
E-mail: kahns@inspection.gc.ca