July 15, 2014 - Edmonton, Alberta - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz today announced an investment of $1 million to the Beekeepers Commission of Alberta to initiate a four-year-nation-wide surveillance project to document the health profile of honey bee colonies in Canada.
The aim of the project is to record the nature, extent and prevalence of diseases, pest organisms and chemical residues in Canadian apiaries. To date, surveillance of this nature has been done at the regional level, and the sector is seeking to expand coordination and identify commonalities nationally on the health of bees. This baseline information is essential in regional colony health management practices and will identify exotic organisms before they establish themselves within Canadian bee populations. The data gathered will also support Canada's position for international trade of honey bee stock.
This project builds on the work that Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's researchers, in partnership with the Canadian Honey Council, the Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists and their international counterparts, have undertaken in recent years to address emerging bee health issues.
Jeff English
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
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