Download Honey bee (Apis mellifera) genetic material - Import risk analysis (June 2003)

In association with several external consultants, this document is an analysis of the risks associated with the importation of honey bee (Apis mellifera) genetic material - queens, queen cells, eggs and semen. The major reason for carrying out this analysis is to find acceptable conditions under which genes for varroa tolerance can be introduced into New Zealand.
Although MAF did develop an import health standard for bee semen in 1998, practical difficulties with its implementation have meant that it has not been used. This risk analysis has closely followed the development of a broader analysis of the risks of importing honey bee hive products. While many parts of these analyses are similar, the nature of the commodities considered presents different questions and challenges for each analysis.
The risk analysis on bee genetic material concluded that post-arrival quarantine would be required for a number of organisms of potential concern, and these are summarised in Chapter 43 of this document. Due to the uncertainty surrounding deformed wing virus and its association with varroa and colony collapse as well as the well-recognised risk posed by European foul brood, the only form of genetic material that can practically comply with recommended conditions is semen.