Page 13 - Harnett Life Summer 2022

Bees &

Vets

By Dr. Janet Batker,
Lillington Veterinary Hospital & Boarding

der to combat the development of bacterial resistance to drugs.
The VFD or veterinary feed directive regulations require that
antibiotics used by beekeepers must be obtained through a vet-
erinarian who has a patient client veterinarian relationship with
the honey farmer, one who writes a prescription to treat a spe-
cific disease.
Hello animal lovers Dr. Jan Batker from Lillington Veterinary
Hospital bringing you some fun facts about bees. Previously these antibiotics were available over the counter,
not the wisest policy as time has proven. However, THE most
While you are out driving you may pass some white wooden common problems with beehive health are mites that carry vi-
boxes in fields tended by people in white suits and a veil. These ruses that infect the hive, and mites are NOT treated with an-
are our honeybee hives and the bees that live in them are essen- tibiotics. Since they were discovered to infect hives in 1987,
tial agricultural workers, more important than the beekeeper! mites have spread and reduced the bee supply that is used to
produce honey as they pollinate crops, this is bad and some-
The bees are rented by farmers to pollinate crops in spring and thing that is of grave concern to the agriculture industry.
summer. Believe it or not though I’ve never seen any of them
as patients, the honeybee now falls partially under my jurisdic- Be sure to visit Beevets.com to find a veterinarian interested
tion as a veterinarian. FDA regulations concerning the use of in bees if you want a hive to thrive. Have a great summer and
antibiotics in food animals have become more stringent in or- bee safe.

Lillington Veterinary Hospital

Best Friends Deserve the Best Care

We Provide Comprehensive Veterinary Care for Dogs & Cats of
All Breeds & Ages, and Exotics.
20% off exams • Immunizations • Checkups

(with this ad) • Spay & Neuter • Preventive Care

• Dental Cleaning • Surgery • Microchipping
• Flea Control • Radiology • Lab Testing

• Boarding

2366 NC 210 ~ Lillington, NC

910-893-2081

www.lillingtonvethospital.com