On October 15, a swarm of AHB was found and destroyed near
Hidalgo, Texas. This was a pioneer swarm which normally is found
well in advance of the main AHB front. The honey bees were
captured in a swarm trap operated by the Agricultural Research
Service (ARS), USDA. Samples were identified at the ARS
laboratory in Texas and confirmed as Africanized on October 17 by
the ARS laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland.

A honey bee delimiting survey is being implemented in a 2-mile
radius of the find as called for in the joint Texas/APHIS AHB
action plan. A press briefing will be scheduled for October 18,
at a location in Texas to be announced.

Mr. Otha Barham of our Domestic and Emergency Operations staff in
Hyattsville, Maryland, has been designated as the contact person
for APHIS headquarters. His telephone number is Area Code (301)
436-8247.

SOURCE: Richard R. Backus for B. Glen Lee, Deputy Administrator,
Plant Protection and Quarantine, APHIS