National Bee Diagnostic Centre, Beaverlodge, AB

The NBDC is the result of a partnership between the GPRC-CRI and the Beaverlodge Research Farm (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada) where it is located. The project attracted the strategic investment of the Federal Government through the Western Economic Diversification Canada ($1.2 million), and of the Provincial Government through the Rural Alberta Development Fund ($925 million). The Centre will provide diagnostic services for beekeepers, researchers, agencies and industry with the aim to contribute towards a healthy, sustainable and profitable apiculture in Canada. We employ cell culture, microscopy and molecular techniques to identify bacteria, fungi, mites and viruses that affect honey bees. These maladies reduce honey production, weaken hive strength and in many cases produce colony collapse. In recent years an increase of overwinter hive losses from and average of 15% to an alarming 40%, is costing between $17 and $25 million to Alberta beekeepers. In addition to these high mortality, the suddenly disappearance of apparently healthy adult bees reported in the USA and some European countries (termed Colony Collapse Disorder) has triggered a worldwide search for possible causes. Most results lead to a surge of biotic (pathogens) and abiotic (weather change, pollution, pesticides) factors that affect already stressed and immunosuppressed bees. Therefore, as a good beekeeping practice it is important to evaluate the health of bee stock by assessing the incidence of pathogens that affect honey bees in Canada. In the NBDC we follow the methods of the OIE (World Organization for Animal Health) described in the "Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals", and our own internal validated methods. At the NBDC we are committed to provide excellent services and deliver results in an accurate, reliable and timely manner. This will allow beekeepers and provincial apiculturalists to take appropriate actions and make treatments as required.