Bio:
Courtney MacInnis is currently a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Lethbridge where she studies the effect of Lotmaria passim on various aspects of honey bee health. Courtney received her MSc and PhD degrees at the University of Alberta in collaboration with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada under the supervision of Dr. Steve Pernal. As a PhD student she investigated the effects of Vairimorpha (Nosema) ceranae and L. passim on honey bee behaviour and physiology. In her spare time Courtney enjoys cross-country skiing, curling, ice fishing (lots of winter activities), gardening, and winning games of cribbage.
Description:
Lotmaria passim and Vairimorpha (Nosema) ceranae are two commonly encountered digestive tract parasites of the honey bee. In this presentation we will discuss the basic biology of these two parasites, how to sample for and identify them, current management recommendations, and how these parasites interact with each other (my favourite part). I will also talk about current and ongoing research!