General Information on
traveling with Bees and COVID-19 - Update 4/4/2020
This is an evolving situation and we are all learning and making adjustments
for the overall health and safety for everyone concerned as we move forward
during these challenging times. This information is not meant to be the ONLY information or
the most up to date, but this is what we have so far as of today.
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 dont 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:
*********************************************************************************
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 |