UGA educates specialists to support struggling honeybee populations.

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — The University of Georgia is cultivating a new generation of “bee doctors” to address the ongoing honeybee crisis affecting local hives. Honeybee populations are declining nationwide, jeopardizing crops vital to Georgia's agricultural sector and food supply. The Honey Bee Health Coalition estimates that honeybees are responsible for pollinating crops worth about $15 billion annually. UGA’s College of Veterinary Medicine features a prominent veterinary bee health program, offering extensive training in zoological medicine, where students engage with various animals, including honeybees. To fill a gap in veterinary education, UGA introduced a program that familiarizes students with pollinator care in their first year through the UGA Honey Bee Vet Club, leading to over 60 hours of bee-related education and a Certificate in Apiary Health by their fourth year.