As an old livestock and diary farmer/rancher, I'm aware of the lack of  
veterinarians for bees in the U.S.
 
I see parallels between beef operations and large migratory beekeepers, and  
dairy with queen producers or small scale beekeeping.
 
In a feedlot (we once had 1100 cattle), one tends not to notice a sick cow  
until its down on its knees.  I see the same in large bee operations with  bees 
spread out over hundreds or even thousands of miles.  Just too many to  
closely watch.
 
In a dairy, one sees each cow twice a day, and its easy to spot subtle  
changes - she's off her feed, lethargic, etc.  Something comparable  occurs with 
queen producers, hobby bee, small bee operations -  lots of personal attention, 
few enough colonies to check often.
 
In both bee and dairy, the owner self-medicates the obvious, and you can  buy 
the drugs at the local ranch supply.
 
But, there are cases that extend beyond the capability, experience of the  
owner, or that may require additional testing.  In those instances, one  calls a 
veterinarian.
 
I don't see any such option for beekeepers in N. America.  I have  heard that 
something like a veterinarian for bees may be available  overseas.  If that's 
the case, I'd like to know more, and I assume I'm not  the only one on this 
list who might be interested.
 
How does it work? Is it government or private? What are the services?   What 
are the charges, and how charged - per hive, per apiary, on a service  
contract?
 
Thanks

Jerry
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