Navigation Block On this page Current Research Past Research Contact On this page Current Research Past Research Contact Honeybees Under Threat Honeybees, like all living organisms, are exposed to different kinds of pathogens that affect their survival. Since 2006, honeybee mortality has been increasing worldwide. In an alarming trend, Canadian beekeepers reported overwinter losses that averaged 45% in the last year (2021); doubling previous years. Initial research points toward a surge of biotic (pathogens) and abiotic (weather change, pollution, pesticides) factors that affect stressed and immunosuppressed bees. In addition to diagnostic services, the NBDC supports and conducts research that aims to improve bee health and build sustainability in Canada’s apiculture industry. Current Research Detection of miticide resistance in Varroa destructor mite population in Canadian apiaries Research Lead: Patricia Wolf Veiga Description: The beekeeping industry and pollination management are vital to the Canadian agricultural economy. Canadian honey production has been valued at $278 million, with Canadian beekeepers providing an additional $4 to $5.5 billion in value through crop and hybrid Canola seed pollination services (Statistics Canada, 2022). Beekeepers face challenges, including increasing production costs due to high bee mortality and low honey prices. Over the last decade, honey bee health has declined substantially, with one of the primary drivers of colony losses being the parasitic mite Varroa destructor. Control of the varroa in beekeeping is a significant challenge. Although mitraz acaricide has been the primary product for controlling varroosis, resistance to amitraz has been reported in Europe and the US, with some reports of reduced amitraz efficacy in Canada. However, there has been no Canadian survey to establish miticide resistance in the varroa mite population. This study will survey varroa mite populations in Canadian apiaries by assessing the frequency of genetic mutations associated with acaricide resistance. The goal is to determine the prevalence and distribution of the mutations related to amitraz and fluvalinate miticides. Partners: NBDC, BC Honey Producers Association, Manitoba Beekeepers Association, Alberta Beekeepers Commission Funding: RDAR (Results Driven Agriculture Research) The study of foulbrood in Canadian apiaries Status: Ongoing Description: Little is currently known about foulbrood strains in Canadian apiaries. Although our 2016 National Honey Bee Health Survey results revealed EFB symptoms in only 0.58% of hives (18 out of 3,097 surveyed colonies), the presence of the bacterium was detected by molecular methods in 40% of surveyed apiaries. This indicates that the potential for outbreak is very real and should be addressed and studied. This study will generate new knowledge on the infectivity, pathogenicity and virulence of two devastating honey bee brood diseases, American Foulbrood (AFB) and European Foulbrood (EFB). NBDC will use the results of this study to develop more effective diagnostic techniques for the identification of foulbrood and improve the ability to predict disease outbreaks. Partners: Alberta Beekeepers Commission , Manitoba Beekeepers Association , BC Honey Producers, Honey Bee Centre Funding: Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, British Columbia Honey Producers’ Association, Alberta Beekeepers’ Commission, Manitoba Beekeepers’ Association Primary Researchers Patricia Wolf Veiga and Dr. Stephen Pernal Background American foulbrood (AFB) is a devastating brood disease affecting honey bees caused by spore-forming bacteria. AFB has been studied intensively in Canada, with most experiments focusing on infection levels and disease management. European foulbrood (EFB) is another common bacterial brood disease. Although it is considered less prevalent and less severe in North America than AFB, its occurrence is on the rise in some beekeeping areas with potential for a serious outbreak if conditions permit. Little is currently known about foulbrood strains in Canadian apiaries. Although the 2016 National Honey Bee Health Survey results revealed EFB symptoms in only 0.58% of hives (18 out of 3,097 surveyed colonies), the presence of the bacterium was detected by molecular methods in 40% of surveyed apiaries. This indicates that the potential for outbreak is very real and should be addressed and studied. Objectives This project aims to: Develop more effective AFB and EFB diagnostic techniques; Establish the likelihood of developing the disease by studying propagation means in the hive, analyzing infection levels in adult bees and correlating with the development of symptoms; and Genotype local strains, establish relatedness, compare virulence, and assess resistance to oxytetracycline. Strategy This three-year study will involve... Year 1: NBDC will collect samples from across Western Canada (AB, BC, MB), culture foulbrood strains on selective media, and detect and quantify the bacteria using molecular techniques. We will also apply a Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) analysis to individual foulbrood strains isolated in this study, providing some insights on the difference of infectivity, pathogenicity and virulence possible found among foulbrood isolates. NBDC will develop a new diagnostic protocol of EFB by real-time qPCR (a molecular method) Year 2: Established foulbrood cultures will be used for a small-scale AFB and EFB infectivity trial of up to 10 hives each. Adult bees and larvae from infected hives will be evaluated for pathogen levels during the growing season. This evaluation will identify the best practice and conditions to establish a diseased hive for experimentation. Year 3: NBDC will conduct a field trial using infected AFB and EFB apiaries in separate locations at least 2 miles apart from one another. Management of colonies will follow standard commercial practices, including control treatments for other diseases and parasites. Disease progression will be monitored, establishing correlation between bacteria levels identified in the lab and presence of symptoms in the field. Our results will provide us with superior ability to assess whether AFB spores and EFB presence in adult bees from apparently healthy colonies could develop into an overt infection. Outcomes Generation of new knowledge on infectivity, pathogenicity and virulence of local bacterial strains causing foulbrood in Canada Development of better diagnostic techniques for the identification of AFB and EFB Improved ability to predict likelihood of disease outbreaks in the field Creation of an essential tool for the implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, giving Veterinaries essential information needed to prescribe antibiotic treatments. Project Funding Alberta Agriculture and Forestry British Columbia Honey Producers’ Association Alberta Beekeepers’ Commission Manitoba Beekeepers’ Association Honeybee Centre Health of bee pollinators in Canadian agriculture Status: Ongoing Description: The NBDC is performing viral analyses for this project led by Dr. Stephen Pernal (AAFC-Beaverlodge) to determine pathogens affecting both wild and commercial bee populations. Partners: Agriculture and Agrifood Canada (AAFC) Funding: AAFC, NBDC Honey bee viruses in Leafcutter bees Status: Ongoing Description: In this project, we examined interspecies transmission of viruses between alfalfa leafcutting bees and honey bees in Western Canadian hybrid canola seed fields. Specifically, we tested if alfalfa leafcutting bees cohabitating with honey bees in seed fields had higher incidence of seven viruses commonly found among honey bees. Partners: Alfalfa Seed Commission of Alberta, Leafcutting bee producers in Alberta & Manitoba Funding: Alberta Crop Industry Fund BEECSI: ‘Omic Tools for assessing bee health Status: Ongoing, led by Dr. Amro Zayed York University Description: This project aims to use genomic tools to develop BeeCSI – a new health assessment and diagnosis platform powered by stressor-specific markers. Working with beekeepers, industry technology-transfer teams, and diagnostic labs, in consultation with federal and provincial regulatory entities to ensure that the tools are implemented and accessible to the beekeeping industry by the end of the project. Partners: AAFC, NBDC, York University, University of British Columbia, University of Lethbridge, University of Manitoba, Guelph University, Canadian Honey bee Scientists Funding: Genome Canada, AAFC Past Research Queen Health and Evaluation of Imported and Domestic Stock Status: Complete Description: The health of the queen bee is essential to maintain productive and healthy bee colonies. To assess the influence of pathogens on decreased longevity, queens were purchased from leading foreign producers (Chile, Australia, Hawaii, and California) and several Canadian provinces and analyzed for pathogens, sperm count and viability. Partners: NBDC project Funding: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Background Honeybee queen health and performance are a crucial determinant of colony health and productivity. In Canada, a large number of queens are imported, mainly from Northern California and Hawaii, although queens may also be imported from Australia, New Zealand, and Chile. In 2015, 250,000 queens valued at $7 million were imported to Canada. According to beekeepers, the performance of local and imported queens is variable, and queen replacements are needed more often than in the past. Objectives Investigate the health status of freshly mated queens, both locally produced and imported, by analysis of pathogens and the quantity and viability of the sperm the queen carries. Potential causes of low sperm quality will be considered, including challenges during mating or transport from the vendor. Strategy Stock purchased from leading foreign producers (Chile, Australia, Hawaii, and California) and several Canadian provinces is assessed for sperm count and viability. Both queens and shipment attendants are evaluated on a panel of viruses, Nosema species identification, and Trypanosomes. This research will compare locally produced honey bee queens with imported queens. Outcomes Queens were purchased for the past three production seasons (2014-2016) from local (Canadian) and foreign producers and are being analyzed. Project Funding 100% NSERC Identification of Honeybee Viruses in the Peace Country Status: Complete Description: In 2013, Alberta held the largest proportion of honey bee colonies in Canada at 280,000, which was 42% of the national total that year. The Peace Country is typically a leading region of honey yield (pounds per colony) in Alberta. The objective of this study was to collect samples from Peace Country colonies in collaboration with local beekeepers to determine which viruses are present in this region. This study will examine links between the type and amount of viruses infecting each colony to the overall health of the colony. Over time, this information may help identify specific colony characteristics associated with natural resistance to viruses. Dr. Shauna Henley (NWP Science Department faculty member) is leading this research and working in the NBDC lab to examine the prevalence of 7 different honey bee viruses in the Peace Country. Partners: NBDC Project Funding: NSERC Background In 2013, Alberta held the largest proportion of honey bee colonies in Canada at 280,000, which was 42% of the national total that year. The Peace Country is typically a leading region of honey yield (pounds per colony) in Alberta. Objectives Collect samples from Peace Country colonies in collaboration with local beekeepers to determine which viruses are present in this region. This study will compare the type and amount of virus infecting each colony to the overall health of the colony. Over time, this information may help identify specific colony characteristics associated with natural resistance to the viruses. Strategy Dr. Shauna Henley (GPRC Science Department faculty member) is working at the NBDC-TAC to examine the prevalence of 7 different honey bee viruses in the Peace Country including Acute Bee Paralysis Virus, Black Queen Cell Virus, Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus, Deformed Wing Virus, Israeli Acute Bee Paralysis Virus, Kashmir Bee Virus, and Sacbrood Virus. She will identify and quantify the viral genomes present in each colony sample. Outcomes Samples from the Peace Country have been collected from ~10 beekeepers each season over 4 years (2013-2016). Quantitative results will help estimate the variability of viral infection of seven viruses among individual colonies from the same apiary. Project Funding 100% NSERC National Honey Bee Health Survey Background Honey bees are a substantial part of Canadian agriculture, contributing approximately $4.6 billion annually from pollination services and bee products. The declining health of honey bees has been a concern over recent years, with some beekeepers losing up to 25-35% of their colonies over winter. Objectives Establishing a bee health database is an important initiative in Canada; multi-year surveillance projects are in progress in many other countries including Australia, New Zealand and the US. The aim of this project is to document the prevalence, intensity and distribution of pests and pathogens in Canadian apiaries. Strategy To index bee health, samples are collected from across Canada with a goal of collecting from 0.5% of registered hives. Each apiary-level sample will be a composite from 10 randomly selected colonies (~100 bees/colony) for a total of ~1000 bees. Bees will be shipped to NBDC live or preserved in alcohol. Samples will be analyzed for American Foulbrood and resistance strains, European Foulbrood, Nosema count and species identification, Varroa mite infestation levels, tracheal mites as well as exotic pests. In addition, samples will be tested for seven honey bee viruses including: Acute Bee Paralysis Virus, Black Queen Cell Virus, Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus, Deformed Wing Virus, Israeli Acute Bee Paralysis Virus, Kashmir Bee Virus, and Sacbrood Virus. By the third year (Summer 2016), samples will additionally be tested for hybridization with African races of honey bees and in the fourth year (Summer 2017), two additional viruses: Lake Sinai Virus and Slow Paralysis Virus, as well as chemical residue analysis will be added to the panel. Visual evaluations in the field are also performed to detect various pests, pathogens and queen conditions. Samples are collected between July and August, before fall treatment of colonies for Varroa or Nosema. Outcomes Reports are produced annually by the Canadian Federal Government, and are available below in both English and French. In 2017, 255 samples were collected from BC, AB, MB, ON, NB, NS, PEI and NL. 2017 National Honey Bee Health Survey Report 2017 Enquête Nationale Canadienne sur l'état de Santé des Abeilles Domestiques In 2016, 314 samples were collected from BC, AB, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PEI, NL and YT. 2016 National Honey Bee Health Survey Report 2016 Enquête Nationale Canadienne sur l'état de Santé des Abeilles Domestiques In 2015, 212 samples were collected from BC, AB, MB and ON. 2015 National Honey Bee Health Survey Report 2015 Enquête Nationale Canadienne sur l'état de Santé des Abeilles Domestiques In 2014, 163 samples were collected from AB and MB. 2014 National Honey Bee Health Survey Report 2014 Enquête Nationale Canadienne sur l'état de Santé des Abeilles Domestiques Project Funding 75% Government: Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada 25% Beekeeping Industry: Alberta Beekeepers Commission, Manitoba Beekeepers Association, Crop Life and Northwestern Polytechnic The Beeomics project Status: Complete Description: This project combined the expertise of researchers across Canada to improve the health of Canadian honey bees through new genomic and proteomic tools that enable beekeepers to rapidly and cost-effectively breed healthy, disease-resistant, productive bee colonies that are better able to survive our harsh Canadian winters. The NBDC assisted Dr. Leonard Foster (University of British Columbia) and Dr. Amro Zayed (York University) with the Genome Canada project ‘Sustaining and securing Canada’s honey bees using ‘omic tools’’. Diagnostics for Nosema, Chritidia, and viral panels were all completed at the NBDC facility. Partners: AAFC, NBDC, York University, University of British Columbia, University of Lethbridge, Guelph University, Canadian Honey bee Scientists Funding: Genome Canada Requeening Queen Right Honey Bee Colonies – Matrilines Status: Complete, led by Dr. Shelley Hoover AB Agriculture & Forestry Description: We investigated the success rate of Requeening Queenright Honey Bee Colonies with queen cells during honey flow. Maternity of drones was determined by using the mitochondrial DNA to identify by laying queens. Partners: University of Lethbridge, NBDC Funding: Canadian Honey Council Honey Bee Stock Assessment Trial – Patrilines Status: Complete, led by Dr. Shelley Hoover AB Agriculture & Forestry Description: The aim of this project is to improve honey bee health and contribute to the sustainability of the apicultural industry in Alberta, the prairies, and Canada by strengthening the natural defenses and resiliency of honey bees. Partners: AAFC, NBDC, University of Alberta, University of Lethbridge Funding: AB Beekeepers Commission, RDAR Link: Click Here Get in Touch NWP National Bee Diagnostic Centre Office: BVE104 Phone: 780-357-7737 Email: NBDC@nwpolytech.ca