The Apiary Program serves as both the regulatory authority responsible for enforcing honey bee laws and regulations in the Commonwealth and as an educational outreach service for beekeepers and stakeholders. To fulfill these responsibilities, the Program is staffed by a knowledgeable team consisting of a Chief Apiary Inspector and full-time Apiary Inspectors located throughout the state. When possible, the Program also welcomes student interns to assist during the active beekeeping season.
The Apiary Program is responsible for the following duties:
• Inspect, sample, and monitor for honey bee pests, pathogens, parasites, and invasive species
• Prevent the establishment of new and emerging honey bee pests, pathogens, parasites, and invasive species
• Investigate reports of colony health issues or mortality
• Issue Health Certificates for the interstate movement of honey bee colonies
• Provide technical assistance, continuing education, and outreach to stakeholders
• Communicate and collaborate with local, regional, national, and international partners, including beekeeping associations, academic institutions, and regulatory counterparts
• Conduct statewide annual surveys of apiculture and honey bee health
• Manage the State Apiaries for educational outreach and health monitoring
• Participate in the USDA–APHIS National Honey Bee Survey or coordinate state participation through university partnerships
• Monitor honey bee apiaries during state aerial mosquito control applications, as needed
A vital component of the Apiary Program’s work includes inspection and notification of American Foulbrood (AFB)—a highly infectious and fatal bacterial disease caused by Paenibacillus larvae. Due to the significant threat AFB poses to apiculture, early detection and rapid response are critical. As of 2025, confirmed and laboratory-verified cases of AFB have been identified in the following Massachusetts counties and associated municipalities:
• Hampden County: Ludlow
• Middlesex County: Bedford
• Plymouth County: West Wareham
• Worcester County: Sutton
If you operate an apiary within or near any of these areas, the Apiary Program strongly urges you to inspect your colonies, deadouts, and equipment as soon as weather permits, and to remain vigilant for signs of AFB throughout the year. If you suspect AFB at any time, please immediately notify the Apiary Program by submitting an Inspection Request through the online form below and selecting “Emergency” to ensure your submission is prioritized.
To support timely communication, the Apiary Program continues to notify beekeepers with Registered Apiaries within a 5–6 mile radius of a confirmed AFB case. To ensure you receive notifications, please Register Your Apiary using the online form linked below.
For additional information or support, contact the Apiary Program at bees@mass.gov or (508) 281-6784.
