In a dvm360 interview, Erin Jones, PhD, discusses how individuals can get more involved with bee medicine and beekeeping.
Erin Jones, PhD, an entomologist and educator with West Texas A&M University in Canyon, presented a series of continuing education sessions on honeybee medicine at the 2026 Veterinary Meeting & Expo (VMX) in Orlando, Florida. In a dvm360 interview at VMX, Jones was joined by Allie Donaldson, DVM, a past president of the Honey Bee Veterinary Consortium, to discuss ways individuals can get involved in bee medicine and beekeeping.
The following is a transcript of the video:
Erin Jones, PhD: [There are] 3 really great pathways for veterinarians to get involved with bees. [First], contact [your] local or state extension office. A lot of states have state apicultures, and they're really great resources for them. They can also contact their local extension agent, who may know some resources that are available.
I also recommend that they join a bee club. That's the best way to meet beekeepers: to join a club where they are. It's also a great way to find a mentor. When we get into beekeeping, knowing someone who can come and do hands-on work with us is one of the best ways for us to learn.
Then, last of all, just getting [your] own bees. We always recommend that you get 2 to 3 hives so that if something goes wrong with one hive [and] the other 2 are not behaving in the same way, you know when you have a problem. It's a really great idea to have more than 1 hive and just jump in there and get some experience. It’s the best way to learn.
Allie Donaldson, DVM: And join the Honey Bee Veterinary Consortium, please.
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