Sampling approach

Depending on the concern, some samples may be taken per apiary or per colony.

• When the main interest is overall apiary health, a composite sample of adult bees from 8 randomly selected colonies in each apiary will be required (we recommend 1 composite sample for up to 1,000 colonies).
• When a specific colony is the main concern, one sample of adult bees or comb from this colony will be required.

Sample Type and Amount Required

The type and amount of sample required depends on the disease or condition suspected.

Sampling Procedure

It is recommended to examine frames of the entire colony to find the queen before taking any samples. This will ensure that the queen will not end up in the sample container.

Comb sample

Cut a piece of brood comb about 10 cm x 10 cm (Fig. 1) containing the suspected diseased brood. Wrap the sample in paper towels or newsprint and send it packaged loosely in a cardboard box. Avoid honey, pollen or nectar in the sample and do NOT put samples in a plastic or airtight container. If possible, send one full frame with eggs and larvae at multiple stages.

Adult Bees

Collect bees in 30 dram vials (~120mL) (Fig. 2). The NBDC will provide sample containers upon request. Similar containers can be purchased at local stores (e.g. urine sample container or plastic honey jars). Keep in the freezer until ready to submit.

Live adult bees (for viral analysis):

Collect adult bees and transfer to a live bee shipping box (Fig. 3) or use a plastic vial and add a queen candy or a sugar cube. If using a plastic vial, ensure container is aerated by making a few holes on the lid or on side of the container. Bees must be shipped alive in order to preserve RNA integrity for viral testing.

Honey

Collect in a glass or plastic container with a screw cap. Please seal the container properly to avoid leakage. Keep in a cool place or refrigerate until able to send.

Pollen

Collect from a pollen trap or bee bread from the brood frame (Fig. 4) in a plastic container with a screw cap. Keep in the freezer until ready to submit.

Propolis

Scrape propolis with a hive tool while avoiding contamination with bee parts, paint or wood in the sample as best as possible. Propolis can be tested in its resin form or in alcohol.

Labelling

Sample containers must indicate:

• Beekeeper’s name
• Colony ID, if a composite sample write Apiary ID
• Date of sample collection
• Type of sample (e.g. honey frame; brood frame, etc.)

* Please use permanent marker to record information

Package preparation

• Check that all sample containers/boxes are properly sealed and labelled (if possible, send samples that were frozen with ice packs).
• Complete online submission form.

Shipment

Submit samples using Express or Priority service. We suggest samples are sent on a Monday or Tuesday, so they arrive during the business week (Mon-Fri). Samples may also be dropped off at our office. Canada Post is the only carrier that will ship live bees; if you are sending live samples, send via Canada Post, express service.

Mailing Address

Canada Post Shipments
National Bee Diagnostic Centre
P.O. Box 1118
Beaverlodge, AB T0H 0C0

Other Couriers
National Bee Diagnostic Centre
100038 TWP RD 720
Beaverlodge, AB T0H 0C0

Results

Results will be available within 2 weeks of sample receipt in the lab. Chemical residue analyses will be complete within 3 weeks of receipt.

Fee Schedule

NBDC Diagnostic Services

Chemical Residue Testing

Testing is conducted at the Chemistry Lab of Agriculture & Rural Development - Government of Alberta

Payment

Customers will be invoiced directly by Grande Prairie Regional College (GPRC). Please contact GPRC directly for payment options: