D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 19, r. 19-1527
A beekeeper shall take measures to control the spread of bee diseases, including American foulbrood.
A beekeeper shall quarantine the colony if the colony is suspected of having American foulbrood or other bee disease that may pose a risk to the colony, environment, or public health.
The beekeeper shall immediately notify the Department of the quarantined colony.
Bees, colonies, and equipment may not be moved from a quarantined area.
The quarantine will remain in effect until terminated in writing by the Department.
The Department may investigate to assess the health of a colony. In assessing colony health, the Department shall:
The Department shall provide the results of the health assessment of the colony to the beekeeper by personal service, posting, or prepaid mail.
A colony with an untreatable disease, like American foulbrood, shall be destroyed and the hive and equipment incinerated. The beekeeper must contact the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (FEMS) Fire Marshal for an open burning permit and instructions prior to incinerating a diseased hive.
The Department may order a beekeeper to take measures to control the spread of bee diseases.
The Department shall treat or destroy the bees, hives, and honey of a beekeeper who fails to take measures ordered by the Department to control or eradicate bee disease.
The Department may require the beekeeper or property owner to reimburse the costs it incurs to eradicate bee disease.
The beekeeper may contest the health assessment and the measures ordered by the Department to control or eradicate the bee disease by requesting a hearing with the District of Columbia Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH).
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 19, r. 19-1527