Student Experiences

Submitted by Anastasiya Missan, Atlantic Veterinary College

Save the Bees

In his book, All Creatures Great and Small, the famous James Herriot writes of his humorous stories of a country vet tackling a variety of farm animals, dogs, cats and even birds. But one very small creature is missing from his exploits, the mighty bee.

 

Apiculture and honeybees are often overlooked as food-producing animals. However as of 2021 Canada had 810,000 beehives, yielding almost 90 million pounds of honey with a total value over $278 million. Like any animal honeybees are can be afflicted by bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. Historically these health situations have been generally managed by beekeepers. But with the newer regulations regarding antimicrobials, and the veterinary prescriptions now needed for their use in Canada, veterinary care for bees is becoming a new and exciting area of medicine.

Although a newly emerging area, bee medicine is not exactly a required course in vet school. So, to follow my interest I went elsewhere to learn more. I contacted a veterinarian who also owned several beehives. I was able to shadow him for several months and learn more about bees, and veterinary medicine. Every few weeks I would travel to his farm, say hello to the sheep and chickens, put on a bee suit, and do something new with the bees. Over the next few months, I learned how to tell the different types of bees apart and their roles within the hive, the multiple different ways to treat Varro mites in beehives, and what to do when the queen bee dies. I was able to watch the bees slowly produce honey over the summer, and then help with the collection of the honey in the fall. Despite what probably would have been a useful skill, I was also fortunate enough not to learn what to do if a bee stings you. I am thankful to have this opportunity, to have had an absolutely amazing mentor, to have been able to follow my interest, and learn so much more about bees and veterinary medicine.

As veterinarians we are able to be involved in so many different areas within our communities, some of which may not seem obvious at first. I would encourage anyone interested in the different aspects of veterinary medicine to reach out to their communities and to learn more.