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:

Gretchen Kuck of the National Corn Growers Association joined us to discuss the Ag Coalition for USMCA’s report findings and expectations ahead of the upcoming USMCA review.
Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance discusses the importance of grain bin safety and joint efforts with Nationwide to provide farmers and first responders with access to critical, life-saving rescue tubes.
RealAg Radio host Sean Haney outlines the Trump Administration’s current trade priorities and what meaningful market expansion looks like for farmers.
Dr. Kelly Bruns from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture discusses how the college prepares students for careers in agriculture.
Bankruptcy filings reflect prolonged margin pressure, rising debt, and limited financial flexibility across farm country. Bigger operating loans are helping farms manage costs, but they also signal growing reliance on borrowed capital.
USDA’s February WASDE report, analysts expect minimal price movement as grain stocks remain steady. Traders weigh renewed Chinese soybean purchases, South American weather, acreage shifts, and upcoming USMCA trade talks.