Beginning in late 2018, Ontario beekeepers are required to establish a formal professional relationship with a veterinarian to obtain prescriptions for antibiotic treatments. This new regulatory framework ensures that medication is used responsibly to prevent American foul brood, a destructive honey bee disease. To satisfy these requirements, apiarists must provide documentation regarding their colony registration, production goals, and standard operating procedures for biosecurity. Veterinarians assess this information annually to determine the appropriate dosage and necessity of preventative drugs for the upcoming season. While the transition introduces new administrative steps, the goal is to encourage best management practices and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance. Ultimately, these rules aim to modernize the industry by integrating professional medical oversight into routine hive management. #honeybees #valleybeekeeping
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