Section 250-RICR-40-10-3.5 - Pursuant to this QuarantineA. No honey bees in hives, nuecli or brood comb, including domestic bees that have been transported across state lines for pollination services or honey production, may be imported into Rhode Island from outside the State unless proper steps have been followed to insure against the introduction of Varroa Mites.B. Caged queen honey bees with nurse bees and packaged honey bees may be imported into Rhode Island from outside the State provided the following conditions are met: 1. Before the honey bees are imported into the state the supplier must notify the Rhode Island Division of Agriculture of the number of cages and the packages that will be shipped and their destination.2. Prior to shipment, the cage(s) containing queen honey bees and nurse bees must each be treated with an effective control material in accordance with labeled directions for Varroa Mite control, including dosage and exposure time.3. The cages and packages must be protected from reinfestation and shipped within 48 hours following treatment.4. The cages and packages must each be accompanied by a certificate, issued by a duly appointed regulatory official from the State, District, Province or Territory of origin, verifying that the treatment has been applied.5. Upon each shipment, the supplier must send a copy of the certificate to the Rhode Island Division of Agriculture.C. Any apiary equipment which does not contain live honey bees, including live brood, and which has been vacant of live honey bees for fifteen (15) days or longer will be allowed to enter the State, provided the Rhode Island Division of Agriculture is notified in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws §4-12.D. Similarly, honey bees in hives may be transported through Rhode Island only under the following conditions: 1. Hives must be securely enclosed at all times.2. Vehicles transporting bees must remain within one mile of the highway of interstate travel.3. The vehicle operator or other responsible person must report immediately to the Rhode Island Division of Agriculture any release of bees, whether accidental or intentional.4. Prior to transport, each hive must be treated with an effective control material in accordance with the labeled directions for control of Varroa mite in honey beehives.5. Following treatment with a properly labeled and effective control material, the hives must be protected from reinfestation and promptly transported.6. Hives must be accompanied by a certificate, issued by the State, District, Province or Territory of origin verifying that the treatment has been applied.7. All honey bees and beehive transported through Rhode Island must be completely free of Varroa mites.8. Hive transporters must notify the Division of Agriculture in writing within one work day prior to shipment through Rhode Island.250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-40-10-3.5