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:

Cottage cheese sales are on the rise across the U.S., and industry leaders believe interest on social media is contributing to the surge in consumer demand.
A new proposal from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) could transform how farmers use drones, allowing commercial operators to fly beyond their visual line of sight.
“USDA can no longer keep wasting its time and personnel to deploy Commissioner Miller’s infamous traps, which USDA has deployed, tested, and has proven ineffective.”
Even in this strong market, some beef producers are leaving money on the table by not following proven marketing practices.
New U.S. fees on Chinese-owned and built ships took effect overnight, marking the latest escalation in maritime trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.