New breakthrough bee vaccine technology could help combat colony declines

Beekeepers across the U.S. got a nasty surprise this year. Millions of pollinating bees were dead, with reports coming in across the country. Now, one company specializing in honeybee health says it might have a solution to the problem.

Georgia-based Dalan Animal Health says recent colony losses have created big challenges for keepers and farmers, which is why they have developed a vaccine. It exposes quee bees to inactive diseases, allowing them to give immunity to the rest of the hive. Developers have been testing the vaccine since 2022 in over 200 hives.

New numbers show commercial beekeepers lost around 62 percent of the nation’s pollinating supply over the winter. Keepers at Project APIS-M found several issues are causing the drop, including parasites and a lack of food. Honeybees help fertilize 75 percent of the world’s supplies.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

NMPF’s Alan Bjerga discusses pending trade agreements with Indonesia and Ecuador and how they will benefit U.S. dairy producers and improve overall global competitiveness of U.S. ag products.
Farm Legal expert Roger McEowen discusses new dicamba regulations, compliance requirements for growers, and the evolving outlook for herbicide use.
Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue shares the latest on the wildfires, their impact on agriculture, and the challenges farmers are facing as they navigate both natural disasters and economic uncertainty.
Renowned farm broadcaster and friend of RFD-TV, Orion Samuelson, will undoubtedly be remembered for a great many things, but it’s his accomplishments as a friend and a champion of America’s farmers and ranchers that he’s most proud of as his legacy.
TYM North America unveiled two new Series 5 tractor models at the National Farm Machinery Show and announced an exciting new partnership for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
American Soybean Association President Scott Metzger discusses his recent testimony before the Senate Ag Committee, key priorities for soy growers, and his outlook for farmers into spring planting.