National Bee Diagnostic Centre (NBDC)

Northwestern Polytechnic, Beaverlodge, Alberta
What the facility does

The only dedicated laboratory in Canada providing comprehensive diagnostic services to the beekeeping industry for a healthy, sustainable and profitable apiculture.

Areas of expertise

The National Bee Diagnostic Centre provides critical diagnostic services to beekeepers, researchers, provincial and federal agencies and industry as its contribution towards a healthy, sustainable and profitable apiculture industry in Canada. The centre employs microbiology, microscopy and molecular techniques in order to identify pests, pathogens and parasites affecting honeybees.

Research services
  • Project management
  • Technology development
  • Sample analysis and testing
  • Scientific and technological monitoring
  • Technology validation and transfer
  • Design of experiment
  • Interactive workshop sessions
  • Design, development, and delivery of customized training
  • Connections to co-op placement opportunities
  • Qualitative and quantitative research
  • Networking events
  • Presentation of results at conferences
  • Publishing in peer reviewed literature
  • Seminars and workshops
  • Industry-specific events and symposia
  • Evening speaker series
  • Participation at trade shows and other venues with or on behalf of partners
Sectors of application
  • Agriculture, animal science and food
Equipment
Fluorescent microscope and compound microscopes
Microtome – Cryostat
Real Time Quantitative Thermocycler and end-point thermocycler
Image analyzer
Spectrophotometer
Hybridization oven
Incubators for anaerobic conditions
Next-generation sequencer (MiSeq)
High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) system
High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system
Phase contrast compound microscopes
Shaking incubator
Sample homogenizers
Dissecting microscope with digital capabilities
Centrifuges
Vortex mixers
Heat blocks
  • University of Lethbridge
  • University of Alberta
  • Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
  • Université Laval
  • The University of British Columbia
  • York University
  • University of Saskatchewan
  • University of Manitoba
  • Peace Country Beef and Forage Association
  • SARDA Ag Research
  • Alberta Beekeepers Commission
  • Manitoba Beekeepers’ Association
  • BC Honey Producers’ Association
  • National Research Council Canada
  • Government of Alberta
  • ApiSave
  • Ministry of Agriculture (New Zealand)
  • Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (US Department of Agriculture)
  • Mackenzie Applied Research Association
  • North Peace Applied Research Association