Dave Priebe
The NHAI helps beekeepers in many ways. Currently, due to COVID-19, his inspections are limited to regulatory inspections only:
A. Health Inspection Certifications for interstate movement of bees and equipment.
B. Regulating pests such as AFB and EFB.
Ed note: This section is a bit long but there was so much important information Inspector Priebe’s gave me I felt it was important to include all of it. If you don’t have time to read all this information, I suggest at least bookmarking all the sites listed below.
2020 NHAI Inspections Summary:
Inspection Certificates: 11
Colonies inspected: 200
Consult Calls: 24
Colonies consulted: 91
Registered Beekeepers: 596
Registered Colonies: 2483
Regulated Pest Abatement: 1 confirmed American FoulBrood (AFB)
Traceback: NUC purchase/Used brood combs
1. For complete information on Varroa management in honey bee colonies:
https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/varroa/
2. Beekeepers should also consider registering their hives/apiaries. It is voluntary, but registration is required to be notified of certain pesticide treatments (such as community mosquito spraying). This is an annual process, beekeepers must re-register every year. The process is free.
https://www.agriculture.nh.gov/publications-forms/documents/apiary-registration.pdf
3. Another important link for NH beekeepers to bookmark:
https://www.agriculture.nh.gov/divisions/plant-industry/apiary-beekeeping.htm
4. Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) and Integration with Apiary Inspection. This site has useful informationfor all beekeepers (I’d bookmark this one too):
https://www.agriculture.nh.gov/publications-forms/documents/apiary-insp-vfd.pdf
5. The USDA Bee Lab in Beltsville, MD will accept samples from hives for testing. There is no cost for the labservices. Anyone can send samples, following the directions at the website.
Here is a Powerpoint(PP) slide showing how to take a core sample from a hive to send to the Bee Lab:
Notes about the PowerPoint slide:
Comb core sample is being taken for analysis at the USDA Bee Lab Beltsville.
• Hive photo has active AFB infection on brood comb.
• A 3 inch hole saw was used with the guide bit removed. The drill is run in reverse to avoid thesaw "walking" on the frame.
• Works for all foundation types.
• Caution: Wired wax foundation requires extra care when the hole saw is cutting through the wires.
Thank you Inspector Priebe for all this information!
