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:

What is the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV)? How does the virus affect hog health and the pork industry? Here’s what producers need to know.
Researchers now have new technology to help gauge what healthy cattle eat and how farmers can limit their feed costs, which can be expensive.
Dairy cows produce more milk for heifers than for baby bulls, according to new research from Kansas State University and Harvard University.
Schools around the country will soon have to eliminate any posters or billboards advertising unhealthy snacks on campus.
The use of ultrasound may make growing beef more efficient.