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
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: OPENS January 6, 2025
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 OPENS March 1, 2025
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.
Our speaker (TBA) will discuss pathology topics, offering advanced insights into diagnosing and managing honey bee diseases. Students will learn about the latest research and practical applications for disease management.
5. TOPIC: How to perform a site visit/herd health visit, how to perform a clinical examination of a hive.
Our speaker (TBA) will guide students through the process of performing herd health evaluations and clinical examinations of hives, sharing techniques for accurate diagnosis and effective communication with beekeepers.
Course 3: Legal and Ethical Responsibilities OPENS May 1, 2025
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.
Speaker TBA will provide insights into veterinary oversight and the responsible use of antibiotics in honey bee colonies, emphasizing legal and ethical responsibilities.
5. Best practices for administering treatments.
Strategies for assessing colony health (e.g., inspecting brood, honey stores, and bee behavior).
Developing treatment plans for specific conditions.
Our Speaker (TBA) will discuss best practices for administering treatments, focusing on strategies that balance efficacy, safety, and sustainability.
Course 4: Clinical Applications for Bee Patients OPENS July 1, 2025
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.
Speaker TBA will discuss fall management strategies, including considerations for winter survival, indoor and outdoor wintering, and minimizing pathogenic risks.
5. BeeVet Round Table
A veterinarian roundtable with three speakers (TBA) will provide a collaborative discussion on the latest clinical practices and case studies in honey bee health management.
Course 5: Practical Beekeeping Knowledge OPENS September 1, 2025
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
Speaker TBA will present on the importance of hive nutrition and winter bee maintenance, offering actionable insights for supporting colony health through nutrition.
Course 6: Collaboration with Beekeepers OPENS October 1, 2025
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
This keynote session will explore best practices for collaborating with beekeepers, focusing on how veterinarians can effectively communicate colony needs and create actionable care plans that work within the beekeeper’s available resources.
Course 7: The Veterinary Role in Bee Welfare and Agriculture OPENS November 1, 2025
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
This keynote session will dive deeper into the ecological role of honey bees in pollination and their contributions to food production. Keynote speakers will provide a broad overview of bee-dependent ecosystems and agricultural systems.
6. TOPIC: Opportunities for Veterinarians to Support Sustainable Beekeeping Practices
This session will highlight how veterinarians can actively engage in supporting sustainable beekeeping practices, with a focus on the role of provincial beekeeping extension services in fostering these practices. Guest speakers from these services will share valuable insights on how to integrate veterinary support into sustainable beekeeping programs.
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.
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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.
