Bee Network
Featured
A message from the Ontario Animal Health Network Bees Working Group
As we head into the end of the beekeeping season it is important to remember that colony health and winter survival depend on proper colony management. In particular, varroa mites are the primary cause of colony mortality in Ontario.
Varroa Monitoring 2023
The goal of the Varroa Mite Awareness Campaign 2023 is to increase knowledge of Varroa mite testing and treatment in Ontario.
Resources
Research and Projects
09 Dec , 2024
OAHN Bee Project: Paenibacillus larvae spore testing in Ontario honey bee colonies (in progress)
17 Jan , 2024
OAHN Bee Network Project: Tracking natural varroa mite population growth in honey bee colonies
22 Feb , 2023
OAHN Bee Network Research Project: Publishing the results of “OAHN Bee network research project 2018 – 2019: Surveillance on resistant Varroa destructor mite population to synthetic acaricides in Ontario” in a peer reviewed journal.
OAHN Bee Network Research Project: Communication and Design Assistance for the Ontario Varroa Monitoring Campaign
21 Dec , 2022
OAHN Bee Network: Investigation of the role of varroa mites in Ontario honey bee health using next generation sequencing (NGS) technology
18 Feb , 2022
OAHN Bee Network Project: Refining the standard bioassay method for detecting resistance in populations of Varroa mites by acute toxicity
08 Feb , 2022
OAHN Bee Network Project: Mapping the population density of managed honey bee colonies in Ontario
13 Sep , 2021
OAHN Bee Network Research Project: Mid-Season Treatments for Varroa Mites, Residue Testing in Honey
09 Jul , 2019
OAHN Bee Network Research Project: Surveillance on resistant Varroa destructor mite population to three synthetic acaricides in Ontario
Final report, presentation links, and infographic related to the OAHN Bee Network’s project on Varroa mite resistance.
23 May , 2018
OAHN Bee Research Project: Culture, antimicrobial susceptibility and molecular typing of Paenibacillus larvae, a causative agent of American foulbrood (AFB)
Executive summary, full report, and poster for the OAHN Bee research project.
Apiculture Resources for Veterinarians
14 Mar , 2019
Private: Veterinary Course notes from OBA Workshop on Antimicrobial Management for Beekeeping in Ontario
2019 OBA VET WORKSHOP Antimicrobial Legislation Responsibilities for Vets and Beekeepers 2019 OBA Vet Workshop AMR Risks, Honey Bees and Beekeeping Thanks to the OBA for sharing these resources for veterinary reference.
11 Feb , 2019
Apiculture Resources for Veterinarians
Find beekeeping resources relating to AMR for veterinarians here.
24 Aug , 2017
OMAFRA’s 2017 Ontario Apiculture Winter Loss Survey
Learn about the number of bee colonies in Ontario, the methodology behind measuring these colonies, management practices, and more.
02 Aug , 2017
Antimicrobial Use and Resistance — Change is Coming
Pending Federal Changes to Address Antimicrobial Resistance
Resources for Beekeepers
29 May , 2020
Asian Giant/Murder Hornets (Vespa mandarinia) Information and Resources
View the below resources for information on sightings and control of Asian Giant Hornets (ASG), otherwise known as “Murder Hornets”. Ontario Bee Journal – New Honey Bee Pests in North America: Asian Hornets Reported and Confirmed in British Columbia USDA New Pest Response Guidelines – Vespa Mandarinia – Asian Giant Hornet Asian Giant Hornet FAQs …
11 Feb , 2019
General Beekeeping Resources
Extensive list of online resources and courses for new and advanced beekeepers.
02 Aug , 2017
Antimicrobial Use and Resistance — Change is Coming
Pending Federal Changes to Address Antimicrobial Resistance
Helpful Links and Contact Information
24 Jun , 2018
Helpful Links for Beekeepers
This list of links provides a great starting point for beekeepers.
08 Oct , 2015
Important Contact Information: Bee Network
A list of industry and government contacts.
Team Members
Paul Kozak
Co-lead - Provincial Apiarist
OMAFRA
Jim Coneybeare
Industry Co-lead
Ontario Beekeepers’ Association
Kelsey Ducsharm
Industry Co-lead
Technology Transfer Program, Ontario Beekeepers’ Association
Dr. Olaf Burke
Population Medicine
University of Guelph
Dr. Hugh Cai
Animal Health Laboratory
University of Guelph
Les Eccles
Beekeeper
Dr. Ernesto Guzman
Director of the Honeybee Research Centre
University of Guelph
Paul Kelly
Honeybee Research Centre
University of Guelph
Dr. Colette Mesher
Technology Transfer Program – Lead Specialist
Ontario Beekeepers’ Association Technology
Dr. Nuria Morfin
Honeybee Research Centre
University of Guelph
Mylee Nordin
Niagara College
Commercial Beekeeping Program
Andrew Pitek
Beekeeper
Dr. Nigel Raine
Rebanks Family Chair in Pollinator Conservation
University of Guelph
Dr. Amro Zayad
York University
Dr. Tim Pasma
Epidemiologist
OMAFRA
Dr. Tanya Rossi
OAHN Coordinator
Animal Health Laboratory