We have a special in-person presenter this month
Mr. Muhammad Fahim Raza, from the BC Tech Transfer Program working under the umbrella of the Honey Producers Association, will be presenting on their AFB Spore Surveillance program, evaluating the distribution of AFB spores across BC, using pooled, extracted honey samples. This program is important enough that he is willing to come from Abbotsford just to be with us in person.
And… YOUR PARTICIPATION IS REQUESTED.
BCHPA is not only looking to inform us of this program – it is wanting honey samples from us to expand their research. We are asking you to PLEEEASE bring samples of your recently extracted honey to donate. All results will be confidential and aggregated! I am sending this newsletter out a week early to give you time to organize your samples. If you are willing, here are the instructions for your samples:
Please fill a clean jar or container (glass or plastic) with a minimum of 100g to maximum of 500g of honey for each sample, directly from the honey extractor or honey super frames through crush and strain method. Beekeepers may choose to provide honey at the start, middle, and end of your extraction process – whichever approach works best for your setup.
If you have already extracted and jarred, simply decant your honey into an appropriate container.
The number of samples to vary depending on no of hives; 5 hives ~ 2 samples, 1 sample would be good enough if fellow beekeeper is operating less than 3 hives. For large commercial operations ~ 1 sample each apiary.
Please note: The AFB spore count from the honey sample will represent the entire apiary/apiaries from which the honey sample was extracted.
Label each sample jar clearly with the following information:
- Beekeeper name
- Beekeeping operation name (if applicable)
- Extraction date
- Hive location (apiary/yard)
The overall objective of this project is to improve the honeybee health and know of any potential risk of AFB risk at apiary level. It will also give a more accurate depiction of the background prevalence of AFB spores throughout the province.
It is best if you attend the meeting in person but, if you cannot and do wish to participate, the BCHPA will reimburse you for shipping samples to:
Muhammad Fahim Raza
36051 Spyglass Court
Abbotsford, BC, V3G 2W7
Phone: 639-384-7929
Email: fahimraza@ttp-bchpa.caIf you are going to do this, make sure your samples are in non-breakable containers!!