Master Academy BeeVet: Bridging Veterinary Science and Beekeeping

Calgary, AB — Veterinarians and veterinary support personnel across Canada are invited to enroll in an innovative educational series, Master Academy BeeVet: Bridging Veterinary Science and Beekeeping. This unique program consists of seven courses designed to provide Continuing Education (CE) credits (pending accreditation) while empowering veterinary professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to support honey bee health and sustainable beekeeping practices.

This program was co-created by Dr. Savannah Howse-Smith, a veterinary leader with extensive experience in animal health and honey bee medicine, and Eliese Watson, founder of ABC Bees, a pioneering beekeeping education initiative. Together, they address the growing need for veterinarians to provide oversight in honey bee care following Health Canada’s 2018 regulations requiring veterinary prescriptions for medically important antimicrobials used in food-producing animals, including bees.

Key Benefits of the Program:

  • Open Enrollment: Accessible to veterinarians and veterinary support personnel.
  • CE Accreditation: Each course supplies 7 CE credits
  • Retention Activities: Engage with quizzes and activities to solidify your learning.
  • Networking Opportunities: Join the exclusive BeeVet online community.
  • Access to Expert Keynote Speakers: Participate in live and recorded sessions led by global leaders in bee health.
  • Customizable Learning: Pick and choose courses tailored to your interests and professional goals.
  • Comprehensive Learning Library: Access an archive of Master Academy monthly speakers dating back to 2021 on beekeeping topics of innovation, management, and culture.

Course Schedule:

The program offers monthly live webinars featuring distinguished speakers covering essential topics in veterinary and apicultural science:

  • January 30: Understanding Honey Bee Biology – Dr. Savannah Howse-Smith
  • February 27: Practical, Seasonal Management – Eliese Watson, ABC Bees
  • March 27: Common Diseases and Integrated Pest Management – Dr. Elemir Simko, WCVM Professor of Pathology
  • April 24: Clinical Examination of a Hive and Site Visits – Dr. Nicholas Vidal-Naquet. Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort
  • May 29: Veterinary Oversight in Antibiotic Use and Regulatory Compliance – Speaker TBA
  • June 26: Best Practices for Administering Treatments and Colony Health Assessment – Dr. Britteny Kyle
  • Additional Monthly Topics: Hive nutrition, fall management, sustainable beekeeping, and more.

About Dr. Savannah Howse-Smith

Dr. Howse-Smith brings over a decade of veterinary expertise, blending her knowledge of wildlife medicine, honey bee health, and clinical practice management. As Medical Director at Task Force Animal Hospital in Calgary, she champions education and collaboration to advance veterinary care. Since 2018, she has been instrumental in supporting apiaries and advocating for responsible antibiotic use in honey bee medicine.

Background on Veterinary Oversight in Beekeeping

In December 2018, Health Canada mandated that medically important antimicrobials for food-producing animals, including bees, require a veterinary prescription under a valid Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR). This shift has expanded opportunities for veterinarians to contribute to honey bee health and sustainability while ensuring antimicrobial stewardship.

Enroll Now

Enrollment is now open for Master Academy BeeVet. For more information and to register, visit www.abcbees.ca/mabeevet.

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ABOUT THE MVMA

Mission: To protect the public through the regulation of veterinary medicine, to support our members and to promote the profession in Manitoba.

Vision: A sustainable veterinary community working together to prioritize the health and welfare of animals, people and the environment.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement: The MVMA is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion across gender identity, ethnicity, religion, age, neurodiversity, physical or mental ability, sexual orientation, and marital status. The MVMA membership is multicultural and we value multiple approaches and different points of view in a safe, positive and collaborative environment.

INFORMATION

Become an MVMA Member – Learn about the requirements to become a licensed veterinarian or registered veterinary technologist.

Veterinary Medicine – Find out how veterinary medicine impacts the lives of animals.

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