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.

Related Stories
Farmdoc economist estimates 2024 colony stock losses at roughly $175 million, with rebuilding and renovation costs near $161 million.
New treatments offer hope, but challenges remain for beekeepers.
Transporting pollinator colonies—primarily honey bee hives—is a major logistical operation in U.S. agriculture. Costs can vary widely depending on distance, fuel prices, labor, and timing.
Georgia Ag Commissioner Tyler Harper explains the growing threat of invasive hornets in his state and what Southeastern growers should watch for this spring.
Smaller beekeepers may find opportunities despite ongoing colony health challenges.
Lower production is tightening honey supplies across markets.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The new antitrust agreement between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) aims to enforce antitrust laws and monitor market activity across the ag sector.
President Donald Trump says a deal is nearly done on lowering beef prices, but he has not released details.
Large carryover stocks continue to put pressure on commodity prices, creating uncertainty for growers looking to market their grain.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer outlines how producers should navigate evolving Farm Bill provisions and prepare their operations for the next crop year.
Peel says Mexico has a much greater capability to expand its beef industry than it did 20 or 30 years ago in terms of its feeding and packing infrastructure.