§ 5-504

Md. Code, Agriculture § 5-504, under Article — Agriculture.

Md. Code, Agriculture § 5-504

(a) Except as provided in this section, a person may not keep a colony or possess bee equipment that is infected with an infectious bee disease.

(b) Each beekeeper with an infected colony shall notify the Department.

(c) A beekeeper may not sell, barter, or give to any person any infected colony, bee equipment, or appliance unless it is treated in a manner that the Department approves.

(d) (1) The Department may do any of the following:

(i) After sending to the beekeeper a written notice of quarantine, quarantine any apiary containing an infected colony or bee equipment;

(ii) Order treatment of an infected colony or bee equipment; and

(iii) Order destruction of an infected colony or bee equipment.

(2) A quarantine shall remain in effect until the Department issues a written release of the quarantine.

(3) The Department shall instruct the beekeeper on any treatment or destruction that is ordered under this section.