Master Academy BeeVet
Bridging Veterinary Science and Beekeeping
What You Will Learn
- Honey Bee Biology Anatomy. Physiology, and lifecycle. Social structures of colonies
- Bee Health Management. Diagnose and treat diseases like varroa, nosema, and foulbrood. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.
- Legal and Ethical Responsibilities. Oversight in antibiotic use and compliance with regulations.
- Clinical Applications. Administer treatments and develop colony-specific care plans.
- Practical Beekeeping Knowledge. Hive maintenance, seasonal management, and nutrition essentials.
- Collaboration with Beekeepers. Communicate effectively and create actionable care plans.
- Bee Welfare & Agriculture. Support sustainable practices and protect pollinators.
Course Format
- Video Tutorials
- Downloadable Resources
- Worksheets and Guides
- Live and Recorded Webinars from Leading Veterinarians
Duration Courses
- 7 Courses in 12 Months
- 1.5 Hour Self-Study, 3 Hours of Keynote Webinars
- 3 CE Credits Per Course
- Live Webinars Monthly
- Self-Study Components
Transform Your Veterinary Career with the Ultimate Honey Bee Health Course Bundle – Save 10% Today!
Expand your expertise, build confidence, and make a lasting impact on honey bee health with a comprehensive, veterinarian-led training program designed to fill the gap in your education.
BUNDLE AND sAVE
10%
AND GAIN 21 CE CREDITS
Why This Bundle is a Game-Changer for You
The Complete BeeVet Health & Welfare Bundle is your step toward becoming a more well-rounded and impactful veterinarian and gaining 21 CE Credits. Enroll today to save 10% and gain access to all 7 transformative courses that will shape your practice and enhance your role in supporting beekeepers and honey bee health.
2 Ways to Enroll
Register for each course $149, or bundle all 7 and save 10%
- Open for enrollment to veterinarians and veterinary support personnel
- CE accreditation throughout Canada (CE pending)
- Retention activities and quizzes to complete courses
- Access our online community of Bee Vets
- Access to keynote speakers in both live and recorded sessions
- Pick and choose which courses appeal to your needs
- Access to the Library of Master Academy speakers since 2021
One-time fee to attend all courses and programs $360/year
- Open for enrollment to anyone, beekeepers and auditing courses
- No CE accreditation, quizzes or retention activities
- Access to annual Quarterly Coaching Calls throughout 2025
- Access our online community of Beekeepers in Master Academy
- Access to keynote speakers in both live and recorded sessions
- Attend and take all Master Academy courses with one-time payment
- Access to the Library of Master Academy speakers since 2021
ABC Bees 2025 BeeVet 7 Courses
Course 1: Understanding Honey Bee Biology
1. Anatomy and physiology of honey bees.
This topic provides an in-depth exploration of the internal and external structures of honey bees, including their digestive, respiratory, circulatory, and reproductive systems. Students will examine how these systems work together to maintain the individual bee’s health and contribute to colony function. Special attention will be given to sensory organs and the structures used for communication and foraging.
- Learning Outcomes:
- Identify and describe the major anatomical features of honey bees.
- Explain the functions of key physiological systems and their role in colony health.
- Understand how anatomical adaptations contribute to honey bee survival and productivity.
2. Lifecycle and Social Structure of Colonies
This topic covers the stages of development for worker bees, drones, and queens, from egg to adult, and the roles each caste plays within the colony. Students will also explore the mechanisms that regulate the division of labor and social cohesion in colonies.
- Learning Outcomes:
- Describe the lifecycle stages of honey bees and the timeline for each.
- Analyze the roles and responsibilities of each caste within a colony.
- Understand the adaptive significance of the honey bee’s social structure.
3. Key Hormone and Glandular Systems
Students will delve into the chemical and hormonal systems that govern honey bee behavior and colony dynamics. Topics include pheromones, glandular secretions, and hormones that regulate reproduction, foraging, and colony defense.
- Learning Outcomes:
- Identify the major glands and hormones in honey bees and their functions.
- Explain how pheromones facilitate communication and regulate colony behavior.
- Analyze the interplay between hormonal systems and environmental cues.
4. TOPIC: Understanding Honey Bee Biology
Dr. Howse-Smith will present an expert overview of honey bee biology, with a focus on the anatomical and physiological features that make honey bees unique. This session will provide practical insights into how understanding bee biology supports health management strategies.
ABOUT DR. SAVANNAH Howse-SMITH
Dr. Savannah Howse-Smith, DVM, brings over a decade of diverse veterinary experience, blending clinical expertise, wildlife medicine, and a passion for education and advocacy. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with Distinction in 2013 from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Alberta, majoring in Animal Science.
Dr. Howse-Smith currently serves as the Responsible Veterinarian and Medical Director at Task Force Animal Hospital in Calgary, where she oversees practice management, staff onboarding, and community-focused veterinary services. Her previous role at Rocky Rapids Veterinary Service saw her providing comprehensive care for small and large animals in a rural setting, fostering strong client relationships and exceptional clinical outcomes.
A recognized leader in wildlife and exotic animal medicine, Dr. Howse-Smith has contributed to organizations such as the Medicine River Wildlife Center and Alberta Agriculture. Her work includes orthopedic surgery on wildlife, infectious disease management in poultry, and providing care for exotic species.
Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Howse-Smith is a dedicated educator and advocate. She has coordinated rural community practice rotations for veterinary students and delivered numerous presentations on topics ranging from avian anesthesia to diversity and inclusion in veterinary medicine. Her volunteer work with organizations like the Alberta Helping Animals Society reflects her commitment to improving access to veterinary care for marginalized communities.
Dr. Howse-Smith’s dedication to advancing veterinary medicine, her compassionate care for animals, and her efforts to build inclusive and supportive communities make her a respected leader in her field.
5. TOPIC: Practical and Seasonal Management
Eliese Watson will offer practical advice on seasonal beekeeping management, connecting biological concepts to real-world applications. This session highlights how veterinarians can align their care plans with the natural rhythms of honey bee biology.
ABOUT ELIESE WATSON
Eliese Watson is a seasoned apiculturist, educator, and advocate for sustainable beekeeping practices. With over 15 years of entrepreneurial experience in the beekeeping industry, Eliese has dedicated her career to fostering a deeper understanding of honey bees and their vital role in ecosystems. As the founder of ABC Bees, she has built an internationally recognized organization offering mentorship, education, and support to beekeepers at all levels.
Eliese’s expertise spans queen rearing, disease management, and community-focused beekeeping education. Her innovative approach combines practical skills, scientific knowledge, and a commitment to building resilient beekeeping practices. Whether leading workshops, webinars, or field demonstrations, Eliese excels at creating engaging, impactful learning experiences that inspire both novice and experienced beekeepers.
In her presentation, Eliese will delve into the intricacies of seasonal beekeeping structures that apply to all 4-season environments, drawing on her extensive experience to provide actionable insights and best practices. Her passion for beekeeping and community connection shines through in every presentation, making her a dynamic and engaging speaker.
Course 2: Bee Health Management
1. Parasites, pathogens, and their clinical diagnosis.
This topic focuses on the parasites and pathogens that threaten honey bee populations, such as Varroa mites and Nosema spp. Students will learn diagnostic methods, including visual inspections, laboratory tests, and molecular techniques.
- Learning Outcomes:
- Identify common parasites and pathogens affecting honey bees.
- Demonstrate diagnostic techniques for detecting infestations and infections.
- Develop skills in interpreting clinical findings to inform treatment plans.
2.Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Practices:
This topic emphasizes sustainable approaches to pest and disease management, integrating cultural, biological, and chemical control methods. Students will learn to create and implement IPM strategies tailored to specific beekeeping operations.
- Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the principles of Integrated Pest Management.
- Develop customized IPM plans for managing pests and diseases.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of IPM strategies and adjust them based on colony performance.
3. How to Perform a Site Visit/Herd Health Visit:
Students will gain practical experience in conducting comprehensive site visits to evaluate colony health. This includes assessing brood patterns, food stores, pest levels, and environmental factors.
- Learning Outcomes:
- Conduct systematic hive inspections and document findings.
- Identify early signs of disease or stress during site visits.
- Provide actionable recommendations to improve colony health based on assessments.
3. TOPIC: Common Diseases, Parasites, Pathogens, and their Clinical Diagnosis.
Dr. Elemir Simko provides 3 training webinars covering topics of introduction to honey bee health in correlation to the superorganisms’ physical examination. Emphasis will be on etiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis, therapy, and prevention of the most important diseases of honey bees in Canada (e.g., American and European foulbrood, Nosemosis, Varroosis).
ABOUT SPEAKER
Dr. Elemir Simko is a board-certified veterinary anatomic pathologist and professor at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), where he has been a faculty member for nearly 23 years. He holds a DVM from the University of Belgrade and a Doctor of Veterinary Science from the University of Guelph. He is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists.
A decade ago, Dr. Simko co-founded the Honey Bee Health Research and Teaching Program at the University of Saskatchewan, which has gained industry support and led to the creation of the Pollinator Health Research Chair, now headed by Dr. Sarah Wood. His work in honey bee health and sustainable agriculture has contributed significantly to pollinator research and veterinary education, including the first honey bee health program for veterinary students in North America.
A beloved and rigorous educator, Dr. Simko has received multiple teaching and research excellence awards, including the 2022 Provost’s Outstanding Teaching Award. He is known for his challenging yet encouraging teaching style, aiming to provide students with a strong foundation in veterinary pathology. His dedication has shaped countless veterinary professionals, ensuring they are well-prepared for their careers.
5. TOPIC: How to perform a site visit/herd health visit, how to perform a clinical examination of a hive.
We are so excited to host celebrated author, beekeeper, and veterinarian Dr. Nicolas Vidal-Naquet. Author of Honeybee Veterinary Medicine: Apis mellifera L., we catch up with Nicolas and learn about implementing a clinical examination of a colony and how to perform a veterinary sanitary audit of an apiary and a honey bee farm.
Nicolas describes step-by-step the performance of a clinical exam and the main points to check and analyze for the clinical examination and the implementation of an audit. Focusing on the 5 Domains for Animal Welfare, the assessments for a sanitary audit of a colony and apiary are defined clearly in Nicolas’s presentation. As a beekeeper or vet, knowing how to ensure that the apiary is assessed with clarity of diagnosis, combined with proposed improvements, all to ensure good biosecurity, and excellent care.
This webinar is a great one for ensuring that you have the right checklists, considerations before starting, and how to complete your report for the beekeeper.
Course 3: Legal and Ethical Responsibilities
1.Veterinary Oversight in Antibiotic Use (VCPR):
This topic introduces the veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) as it applies to honey bee colonies. Students will explore legal requirements for prescribing antibiotics such as oxytetracycline and tylosin, ensuring compliance with regulations while promoting colony health.
- Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the role of veterinarians in establishing and maintaining a VCPR for honey bees.
- Identify the conditions under which antibiotics may be prescribed for honey bee colonies.
- Evaluate the ethical considerations of antibiotic use in beekeeping.
2. Provincial and National Regulations Concerning Bees and Honey Production
This topic covers the legal frameworks that govern beekeeping practices, honey production, and disease management. Students will review regulations specific to their regions and the processes for compliance.
- Learning Outcomes:
- Identify key provincial and national regulations impacting honey bee health and honey production.
- Ensure compliance with legal requirements related to hive management and product safety.
- Understand the roles of regulatory bodies and how to work with them.
3. Antimicrobial Resistance and Drug Residues
Students will learn about the risks of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the importance of residue management in honey production. This topic emphasizes the veterinarian’s role in mitigating AMR through responsible prescribing practices.
- Learning Outcomes:
- Explain the mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance and its implications for honey bee health.
- Develop strategies to minimize drug residues in honey and hive products.
- Promote practices that reduce the risk of AMR in beekeeping operations.
4. TOPIC: Legal and Ethical Responsibilities: Veterinary oversight in antibiotic use.
Provincial and national regulations concerning bees and honey production.
In this engaging and informative webinar, Britteny Kyle, DVM, MSc, a PhD student in Epidemiology with a Collaborative Specialization in One Health at the Ontario Veterinary College (University of Guelph), shares her veterinary approach to diagnosing and managing the Big 3 honey bee health threats: American foulbrood (AFB), European foulbrood (EFB), and Varroa mites.
Drawing on her clinical and research experience, Britteny discusses:
Treatment planning for AFB, EFB, and Varroa based on clinical signs
How management strategies vary across beekeeping operation scales: hobbyist, small-scale farms, and commercial apiaries
The importance of symptom-based evaluation and evidence-informed treatment choices
The role of veterinarians in modern honey bee health management
About the Speaker:
Britteny Kyle holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and a Master’s in Epidemiology from the University of Guelph. She is currently pursuing her PhD studying management strategies for American foulbrood. After years in small animal practice, she transitioned to honey bee medicine and became president of the Honey Bee Veterinary Consortium in 2020. Her work includes advancing veterinary education in apiculture and developing day-one competencies for veterinarians in bee health.
Course 4: Clinical Applications for Bee Patients
1. Best Practices for Administering Treatments
This topic focuses on the practicalities of administering medications and treatments in beekeeping, including dosages, application methods, and timing to ensure efficacy and minimize risks.
- Learning Outcomes:
- Apply appropriate methods for administering treatments to honey bee colonies.
- Understand how treatment timing impacts colony health and productivity.
- Evaluate treatment outcomes and adjust protocols as needed.
2. Strategies for Assessing Colony Health
Students will develop skills in evaluating colony health through visual inspections, brood assessments, and monitoring of honey stores and bee behavior. The topic emphasizes early detection of health issues.
- Learning Outcomes:
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of colony health indicators.
- Healthy splits, and suppressing swarms, robbing and honeybounding.
- Develop actionable health management plans based on assessment findings.
3. Developing Treatment Plans for Specific Conditions
This topic covers the creation of targeted treatment plans for conditions such as mite infestations, bacterial infections, and nutritional deficiencies. Students will learn to balance short-term interventions with long-term health strategies.
- Learning Outcomes:
- Design treatment plans tailored to specific health conditions in honey bee colonies.
- Integrate treatments into broader management practices for sustainable colony health.
- Create animal health protocol templates for use in beekeeping operations.
4. TOPIC: Fall Management and essential considerations with winter survival, health, indoor and outdoor wintering, and pathogenic risks.
As we deepen our understanding and learning in clinical applications for honey bee health, it is key that winter be top of mind when assessing historical and future winter apiary stress. All beekeeping practices in 4-season management should be prepared for cold winter months. This is why we are hosting Matthew Polinsky to share about Fall Management and Survival.
About Matthew Polinsky
Matthew Polinsky brings over 15 years of diverse apiculture experience to his role as Program Lead for the Manitoba KRTP. He has worked in commercial and urban beekeeping across Saskatchewan, New Zealand, Australia, and Montréal. Before joining the KRTP in 2023, Matthew contributed to Canadian honey bee research through the Saskatraz breeding program, the University of British Columbia, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. His current research focuses on how parasites, disease, and nutritional stressors interact to affect honey bee health and winter survival. Originally from Saskatchewan, Matthew is a graduate of Concordia University in Montréal.
5. Fireside Chat with Dr. Meghan Milbrath
In this informal discussion, we talked about how Bees Need Vets (https://pollinators.msu.edu/programs/bees-need-vets/index.aspx), the role of veterinary sciences in apiculture, her urgency for vets to take on the emergency role of supplying the beekeeping industry with metaphylactic supports for a crashing and underserved animal welfare crisis, and the underresearched role of European Foulbrood in honey bee health.
ABOUT MEGHAN
Dr. Meghan Milbrath is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology at Michigan State University, where her appointment combines teaching, research, and extension in pollinator health. She leads a rotation course in honey bee medicine for veterinary students, helping train the next generation of veterinarians in pollinator care.
Her research program takes an interdisciplinary approach—rooted in epidemiology, environmental health, and risk assessment—to understand how factors such as nutrition, pesticide exposure, and pathogens interact to shape pollinator health, particularly during crop pollination.
Dr. Milbrath’s work includes investigations into common honey bee pests and bacterial diseases, including European foulbrood, where she develops evidence-based recommendations for disease management. Alongside her research and teaching, Dr. Milbrath is active in extension, providing honey bee medicine training for veterinarians and sharing practical strategies with beekeepers. Her professional experience includes roles at Michigan State University, the Swedish Agricultural University, and collaborations across pollinator health networks.
Course 5: Practical Beekeeping Knowledge
1. Hive Maintenance and Seasonal Management
This topic equips students with the skills to manage hives effectively throughout the beekeeping year, from spring buildup to winter preparation.
- Learning Outcomes:
- Understand seasonal management practices for optimizing colony health and productivity.
- Perform hive maintenance tasks such as cleaning, requeening, and inspecting for pests.
- Anticipate seasonal challenges and develop proactive management strategies.
2. Recognizing Signs of Stress, Starvation, or Queen Failure
Students will learn to identify early warning signs of colony stress, malnutrition, or queen-related issues and implement timely interventions to restore balance.
- Learning Outcomes:
- Identify symptoms of stress, starvation, and queen failure in honey bee colonies.
- Implement corrective actions to address identified issues.
- Develop monitoring plans to prevent future occurrences.
3.The Relationship Between Nutrition and Immunity in Honey Bees
This topic explores how nutrition affects honey bee immunity and overall health, with a focus on dietary requirements, supplemental feeding, and the role of diverse forage.
- Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the nutritional needs of honey bees and their impact on colony immunity.
- Evaluate the quality of forage and supplemental feeding options.
- Develop nutritional strategies to support robust colony health.
4. TOPIC: Importance of hive nutrition and winter bee maintenance
Dr. Priya Chakrabarti Basu, Assistant Professor of Entomology at Washington State University, as she unpacks the fascinating world of honey bee nutrition. In this session, Dr. Basu will explore how diet and environmental stressors shape the differences between summer and winter bees, influencing their health, longevity, and the survival of the colony.
With her expertise spanning physiology, toxicology, and pollinator health, Dr. Basu will share the latest research and practical insights to help us better understand the nutritional needs of honey bees across the seasons. Whether you’re a beekeeper, researcher, or simply passionate about pollinators, this talk will deepen your appreciation of the complex biology that sustains bee colonies year-round.
ABOUT DR. PRIYA BASU
Dr. Priya Chakrabarti Basu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology at Washington State University and a courtesy faculty member at Oregon State University. Her research explores the interactive effects of multiple stressors on bee health—including poor nutrition, pesticide exposure, climate change, and disease—using approaches that span physiology, toxicology, functional biology, multiomics, and neuroethology.
She is actively engaged in the global bee science community, currently serving as Secretary/Treasurer of the American Association of Professional Apiculturists, Vice-President Elect of the PBT Section of the Entomological Society of America, and North American Chair of the Nutrition Taskforce for COLOSS. She has also held leadership positions as Chair of ESA’s Early Career Professionals Committee and Vice-President of the Mississippi Entomological Association.
In addition to her research, Dr. Basu is passionate about teaching, policy engagement, and community outreach to raise pollinator awareness. She also shares her love of bees with younger audiences as a children’s book author. More about her work can be found at www.priyadarshinichakrabarti.com.
Course 6: Collaboration with Beekeepers
1. Effective Communication with Beekeepers about Colony Needs
Description:
This topic focuses on the importance of effective communication with beekeepers regarding the specific needs of their colonies. Participants will learn how to conduct colony inspections, asking the right questions to gather essential information. They will also explore the use of herd health forms and producer talks, which may occur in-house at a clinic or online, to foster collaboration and provide tailored care recommendations.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this section, participants will be able to:
- Formulate key inspection questions to assess colony health.
- Use herd health forms to document colony conditions and treatment needs.
- Conduct effective producer talks, both in-person and online, to address colony needs.
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2. Beekeeping and Telemedicine: Ethics and Maintaining Relationships
Description:
In this section, we explore the role of telemedicine in beekeeping. Participants will discuss the ethical considerations of offering veterinary care remotely and the importance of maintaining professional relationships with beekeepers through virtual platforms. The session will address the benefits and challenges of providing consultation and care via telemedicine.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this section, participants will be able to:
- Understand the ethical considerations in providing remote veterinary care to beekeepers.
- Identify challenges and opportunities in beekeeping telemedicine.
- Learn techniques for maintaining strong relationships with clients in a virtual setting.
3. Creating Actionable Care Plans Tailored to Beekeepers’ Resources and Goals
Description:
This section will guide participants in creating actionable care plans that align with a beekeeper’s available resources, goals, and the specific conditions of their operation. By using Animal Health Protocols, veterinarians will learn to devise customized health management strategies that are practical, sustainable, and effective for the beekeeper’s context.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this section, participants will be able to:
- Design care plans that are actionable and align with beekeeper resources and goals.
- Understand how to use Animal Health Protocols in formulating these plans.
- Tailor recommendations for colony health management based on practical constraints and objectives.
4. TOPIC: Collaboration with Beekeepers: Effective Communication and Actionable Care Plans
An informal fireside conversation with Dr. Renata Labuschagne, Alberta’s new Provincial Apiculturist, as we explore how collaboration and communication between veterinarians, inspectors, and beekeepers can transform colony health outcomes.
This session will dive into the practical communication strategies that foster trust and participation, and how to translate diagnostics, nutrition, and pathogen insights into real-world management recommendations. Participants will gain tools to bridge the gap between science and practice—creating care plans that are not only evidence-based but also achievable and locally relevant.
About Dr. Renata Labuschagne
Dr. Renata Labuschagne is the Provincial Apiculturist for Alberta and a former Lead of the Alberta Tech Transfer Program at the Alberta Beekeepers Commission. With a Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Minnesota under the mentorship of Dr. Marla Spivak, Renata’s research has focused on the critical role of propolis in honey bee immunity and the interaction between pathogens and colony health.
Her postdoctoral work with Dr. Steve Pernal at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Beaverlodge Research Farm examined the relationships between key pathogens and colony productivity, advancing our understanding of honey bee disease ecology.
Renata brings a global perspective—originally from Brazil, where she earned her B.Sc. in Animal Science at Universidade Federal do Ceará—and combines scientific rigor with a deep passion for practical, field-based solutions. Her work continues to bridge research, industry, and beekeeping communities to promote sustainable honey bee management and health.
Course 7: The Veterinary Role in Bee Welfare and Agriculture
1. BMP for Sustainable Beekeeping: Non-Chemical Intervention
Description:
This topic will cover Best Management Practices (BMP) for sustainable beekeeping with a focus on non-chemical interventions. Participants will explore techniques like irradiation, fumigation, and stock management, as well as how these methods contribute to queen and nuc production. The session will also address closing the loop on bee imports by managing the health of local stocks.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this section, participants will be able to:
- Understand BMPs for sustainable beekeeping and their role in non-chemical intervention.
- Explore the benefits and limitations of techniques like irradiation, fumigation, and stock management.
- Discuss the role of these interventions in queen and nuc production and how they impact bee health.
2. Working with Provincial Extension Services
Description:
In this section, participants will learn about the various resources available through provincial extension services. The focus will be on the support these services offer to veterinarians and beekeepers, including testing availability, research updates, and expert consultations. This partnership is critical for improving hive management and supporting local beekeeping communities.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this section, participants will be able to:
- Identify resources available through provincial extension services.
- Understand how to collaborate with these services to enhance colony health and management.
- Access testing and research services that can improve beekeeper practices.
3. The Impact of Bees on Ecosystem Health and Crop Pollination
Description:
This section will explore the broader ecological role of honey bees in maintaining ecosystem health, with a focus on their critical role in crop pollination. Participants will examine the interdependence between bees, plants, and agriculture, and learn how healthy bee populations support food production and biodiversity.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this section, participants will be able to:
- Explain the vital role of bees in ecosystem health and crop pollination.
- Understand the relationship between pollinators and agricultural productivity.
- Analyze how bee health impacts biodiversity and food security.
4. Opportunities for Veterinarians to Support Sustainable Beekeeping Practices
Description:
This session will focus on the opportunities available for veterinarians to play an active role in supporting sustainable beekeeping practices. Topics include the use of targeted treatments, integrated pest management (IPM) approaches, and testing to maintain healthy colonies. Veterinarians will gain insight into the practical ways they can contribute to sustainable practices while promoting bee welfare.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this section, participants will be able to:
- Identify opportunities for veterinarians to support sustainable beekeeping through targeted treatments and IPM.
- Understand the role of testing in disease prevention and colony management.
- Promote practices that align with sustainability and animal welfare within beekeeping.
3. TOPIC: The Impact of Bees on Ecosystem Health and Crop Pollination
Dr. Janice Mitchell is a northern Ontario veterinarian and beekeeper whose firsthand experience with severe colony losses has positioned her as a powerful advocate for pollinator health and environmental transparency. After discovering that more than 90% of her colonies had died—later linked to pesticide and herbicide residues—Janice has shared her story nationally, including in CBC coverage, to highlight the broader implications for ecosystem health and food systems.
Bringing deep practical knowledge of beekeeping and a passion for protecting pollinators, Janice offers a compelling, real-world perspective on how bees underpin ecosystem stability and crop pollination. Her insights provide valuable context for veterinarians and animal-health professionals seeking to understand the interconnected health systems that support agriculture and biodiversity.
6. TOPIC: Opportunities for Veterinarians to Support Sustainable Beekeeping Practices
Join us for a national “fireside chat” with three of Canada’s leading apiculture researchers and Technology Transfer Program experts. This webinar brings together specialists from British Columbia, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada to discuss emerging research, hive health challenges, and the evolving role of veterinarians in beekeeping.
Our speakers will explore front-line management concerns for both commercial and hobby operations, regional disease pressures, advances in Integrated Pest Management, selective breeding initiatives, and the critical partnerships needed between veterinarians and beekeepers to support sustainable colony health. This conversation is designed for veterinarians, technicians, beekeepers, and anyone interested in evidence-based honey bee health. Expect practical insights, upcoming research priorities, and a candid examination of the future barriers and opportunities that will shape hive health in Canada.
British Columbia and Ontario
Speaker Spotlight: Dr. Nuria Morfin
Dr. Nuria Morfin, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Apiculture and Honey Bee Biology in the Department of Entomology at the University of Manitoba and currently serves as Chair of the British Columbia Technology Transfer Program. Her work sits at the intersection of honey bee research, applied management, and knowledge transfer, with a strong focus on improving colony health through practical, science-based solutions.
In addition to her academic role, Dr. Morfin is deeply engaged in extension and outreach, supporting both commercial and hobby beekeepers as they navigate emerging health challenges, environmental stressors, and evolving management demands. Her work emphasizes collaboration across disciplines, including veterinary medicine, to strengthen decision-making, disease response, and long-term hive health outcomes.
Atlantic Provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and PEI
Speaker Spotlight: Dr. Andrew Byers
Dr. Andrew Byers is a Senior Apiculturist and Program Lead for the Atlantic Tech Transfer Team for Apiculture (ATTTA), where he supports the beekeeping and pollination industries across Atlantic Canada. His work focuses on translating research into practical guidance for beekeepers while addressing region-specific challenges related to honey bee health, productivity, and sustainability.
Dr. Byers completed his doctoral studies at the University of Nottingham’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, bringing a strong veterinary and scientific foundation to his work in apiculture. His expertise spans honey bee health, disease dynamics, and applied management strategies, with particular emphasis on evidence-based decision-making and effective communication between researchers, veterinarians, and beekeepers.
In addition to his professional role, Dr. Byers operates a small commercial beekeeping operation, providing him with direct, hands-on insight into the realities of colony management and the practical constraints faced by producers. This dual perspective enables him to bridge the gap between academic research and field application in a way that resonates with both commercial and hobbyist beekeepers.
Quebec
Speaker Spotlight: Martine Bernier, P.Ag.
Martine Bernier, P.Ag., is an agronomist and Project Manager with the Centre de recherche scientifique et agroalimentaire de Lanaudière (CRSAD), where she has been a member of the apicultural team since 2011. Her work focuses on knowledge transfer, training, and applied support for beekeepers and professionals within the apicultural sector in Quebec.
Martine brings broad expertise in colony management, pest and disease management, and nucleus colony production, with a strong emphasis on practical, field-based solutions. Through her role at CRSAD, she develops and delivers training programs, technical resources, and extension services that help beekeepers adapt to evolving health challenges and management demands. A central component of Martine’s work is bridging research and on-farm application. She collaborates closely with researchers, veterinarians, and industry partners to ensure that current science is translated into effective management practices that support colony health, productivity, and sustainability.
With over a decade of experience in apiculture-focused extension, Martine offers valuable insight into regional priorities, producer education, and the critical role of knowledge transfer in strengthening honey bee health across diverse beekeeping operations.
Course Instructor
Dr. Savannah Howse-Smith
DVM, Responsible Veterinarian and Medical Director: Task Force Animal Hospital in Calgary
Dr. Savannah Howse, DVM, brings over a decade of diverse veterinary experience, blending clinical expertise, wildlife medicine, and a passion for education and advocacy. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with Distinction in 2013 from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and attended the University of Alberta in the Faculty of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences for her undergraduate years.
Dr. Howse-Smith currently serves as the Responsible Veterinarian and Medical Director at Task Force Animal Hospital in Calgary, where she oversees practice management, staff onboarding, and community-focused veterinary services. Her previous role at Rocky Rapids Veterinary Service saw her providing comprehensive care for small and large animals in a rural setting, fostering strong client relationships and exceptional clinical outcomes. In 2018, when Health Canada changed how antimicrobials could be accessed within the country, she became very interested in providing veterinary services to beekeepers. After obtaining training in beekeeping and attending many hours of training in honeybee medicine, she provided veterinary care for apiaries in the Drayton Valley area.
A recognized leader in wildlife and exotic animal medicine, Dr. Howse-Smith has contributed to organizations such as the Medicine River Wildlife Center and Alberta Agriculture. Her work includes orthopedic surgery on wildlife, infectious disease management in poultry, and providing care for exotic species. She has also previously worked for the City of Saskatoon in the Pest Management Branch with monitoring programs for West Nile Virus.
Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Howse-Smith is a dedicated educator and advocate. She has coordinated rural community practice rotations for veterinary students and delivered numerous presentations on topics ranging from avian anesthesia to diversity and inclusion in veterinary medicine. Her volunteer work with organizations like the Alberta Helping Animals Society reflects her commitment to improving access to veterinary care for marginalized communities.
Dr. Howse-Smith’s dedication to advancing veterinary medicine, her compassionate care for animals, and her efforts to build inclusive and supportive communities make her a respected leader in her field.
Course Instructor
Eliese Watson
Master Beekeeper and Owner ABC Bees
Eliese Watson is a seasoned apiculturist, educator, and advocate for sustainable beekeeping practices. With over 15 years of entrepreneurial experience in the beekeeping industry, Eliese has dedicated her career to fostering a deeper understanding of honey bees and their vital role in ecosystems. As the founder of ABC Bees, she has built an internationally recognized organization offering mentorship, education, and support to beekeepers at all levels.
Eliese’s expertise spans queen rearing, disease management, and community-focused beekeeping education. Her innovative approach combines practical skills, scientific knowledge, and a commitment to building resilient beekeeping practices. Whether leading workshops, webinars, or field demonstrations, Eliese excels at creating engaging, impactful learning experiences that inspire both novice and experienced beekeepers.
In her rose as instructor of Master Academy BeeVet, Eliese will delve into the intricacies of honey bee management, drawing on her extensive experience to provide actionable insights and best practices. Her passion for beekeeping and community connection shines through in every presentation, making her a dynamic and engaging speaker.
