In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew welcomes special guests Rosario Candelero, a veterinary student at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, and Jason Ferrell, a beekeeper and IT specialist. Together, they explore how beekeeping in Mexico differs from practices in the United States.

Rosario shares insights from her veterinary training, where bee health is treated as part of veterinary medicine, not entomology. She describes common honey bee diseases in Mexico, including Varroa, American foulbrood, chalkbrood, and the rarer stonebrood. Jim and Rosario discuss how Mexican beekeepers adapt to managing defensive bees descended from Africanized honey bees, balancing challenges with the country’s strong honey production industry.

The conversation also touches on the traditional Melipona stingless bees, their cultural importance, and their distinct honey properties. With Rosario preparing for advanced bee health courses, Jim looks forward to following her journey toward becoming a veterinary advocate for honey bees.

It’s a fascinating look at beekeeping across borders and the critical role veterinarians play in supporting healthy colonies.

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Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

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Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

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