News Archives: National Bee Diagnostic Centre Open For Business!
Tuesday, March 19th, 2013
The final details are complete, the technical equipment is in place, and the scientists are ready: Grande Prairie Regional College is pleased to announce that the National Bee Diagnostic Centre (NBDC) Laboratory will begin to accept samples for diagnosis on April 1, 2013.
The Centre, built at the Beaverlodge Research Farm and operated by GPRC through its Centre for Research & Innovation, is a partnership with Agriculture and AgriFood Canada and the beekeeping industry. Funding from Western Economic Diversification and the Rural Alberta Development Fund launched the project in 2011, and the building was ready for occupancy in the fall of 2012. Now, the facility is fully-equipped and prepared to receive the first samples and provide diagnostic services.
“This is a state-of-the- art laboratory offering comprehensive diagnostic services to the Canadian beekeeping industry and the bee research community,” says Dr. Carlos Castillo, Applied Scientist Manager for NBDC.
He is anticipating enthusiastic demand for the services from the beekeeping industry in the region and beyond. The services currently available include: Nosema Spore Counts and identification, Varroa Count, Tracheal Mite Detection, EFB detection, AFB Detection and Antibiotic Resistance determination, and Virus Detection.
The NBDC encourages all clients to register themselves by contacting the laboratory directly. Customers can have their questions on sampling procedures and submissions answered before sending samples. Sampling procedures, sampling kits, submission forms, shipping options, operating hours, and fee schedules are available through the lab.
“This is a great moment for our region and for our College,” says Don Gnatiuk, President and CEO. “This is a national facility, housed right here in the Peace region where it will serve not only the local beekeeping industry but beekeepers throughout Canada. This opens the door to enormous potential for the future, including applied research in support of industry.”
For more information or interview opportunities please contact:
Lynne Ness, Corporate Communications Officer Grande Prairie Regional College 780-539-2951 lness@gprc.ab.ca
For Diagnostic Information, Please Contact: Dr. Carlos Castillo Applied Scientist Manager National Bee Diagnostic Centre 1Research Road, Beaverlodge Research Farm P.O. Box 1118 Beaverlodge, Alberta, Canada Phone: 780.357.7737 Fax: 780.354.8080 Email: NBDC@gprc.ab.ca
