Honey bee medicine: a lack of knowledge, education, skills, and training identified as the most commonly cited challenge for veterinary medicine practitioners.

Lack of knowledge and training represents the primary barrier to veterinary engagement in honey bee medicine.

This cross-sectional survey study examined barriers to veterinary practitioners integrating honey bee medicine into their practices. Nearly 1,400 respondents from veterinarians, technicians, and students were surveyed between February 2023 and subsequent months across the United States. Over 50% of respondents expressed moderate to high interest in working with beekeepers, yet substantial challenges were identified. The primary barrier, cited by 40.2% of respondents, was insufficient knowledge, education, skills, and training in apian medicine. While challenges varied significantly by interest level, they remained consistent across different practice types. The study emphasizes the critical need for veterinary engagement with honey bee health, given their essential role in food production and current unacceptable mortality rates. The findings highlight both necessity and opportunity for developing educational frameworks and training programs to equip veterinarians with competencies required for effective apian medical practice and beekeeper support.

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