Part 1 - Moving Bees during the Coronavirus pandemic

Moving bees into and out of Texas as well as across county lines within Texas requires a permit from the state. Having these permits in your vehicle while traveling during any COVID-19 restrictions is advisable.

Important Information Part 1 of 2

The following came from Mary Reed, Chief Apiary Inspector at the Texas Apiary Inspection Service Office:

Good afternoon,

I have been contacted by several beekeepers with concerns about transporting bees in Texas, as well as across state lines, when there have been several travel restrictions set in place to prevent further spread of COVID-19. Texas has initiated restrictions for those flying in from specific states, but also those who are traveling into Texas from Louisiana (https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/490143-texas-governor-restricts-travel-from-louisiana-bars-early-release-for ). However, these restrictions do not apply to those working in critical infrastructure sectors. The agricultural industry has been deemed essential by the federal government and thus is considered critical infrastructure. If you will be actively moving bees across Texas state and/or county lines, I would encourage you to have copies of your permits in every vehicle, as well as the attached document, which states that your vehicle is carrying agricultural products and your work is considered critical.

This situation is constantly evolving, so I will notify you of any changes that may occur. In the meantime, I recommend staying up-to-date on your county(ies) guidelines. A list of counties and their websites can be found here: https://www.county.org/About-Texas-Counties/Texas-County-Websites  Texas-County-Websites.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I am currently working away from the office, but I will be able to respond via email. Please stay safe out there.

Best,
Mary Reed
Chief Apiary Inspector
Texas Apiary Inspection Service
2475 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-2475


Moving bees during COVID-19? Critical Infrastructure Certificate Needed
Important Information Part 2 of 2

If you are planning to pick up bees from us this year, please be aware of the following from Mary Reed - TAIS:

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For all of your customers, I would recommend providing them with the Critical Infrastructure Certificate (download here) in advance and encourage them to carry it with them in their vehicles, just in case they are stopped by law enforcement. If any of your customers will be crossing county lines with their nucs/bees, they will need to apply for an Intrastate permit from our office. The TAIS Intrastate application form is available on our website (download here). The fee for this permit is $35 (pay via check or money order), but if the customer owns 12 or fewer colonies, then the fee is waived. Any customer that needs this permit can email me their application form and I will make sure it gets processed in time. A copy of this permit should be carried as well and provided to law enforcement if necessary.

If you or any of your customers have any questions, I can be reached via email (mary.reed@tamu.edu). I am currently working away from the office and unable to answer voicemail readily. Please let me know if you need anything else.

Best,
Mary

Mary Reed
Chief Apiary Inspector
Texas Apiary Inspection Service
2475 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-2475
Ph: 979-845-9714
Fax: 979-845-0983
txbeeinspection.tamu.edu

Thanks and bee safe,
Gary Rankin
The Bee Place

Traveling with Bees during COVID-19 restrictions