Sideline and commercial beekeeping goes above and beyond the management of large colonies of honeybees for the production of honey, nucs, packages, and other hive products. The pollination aspect of the industry plays a significant role in the economic landscape of agricultural production and the global food supply, directly impacting your return on investment (ROI). As an integral player in this sector, your involvement not only contributes ecologically but also focuses on the financial dynamics of sideline and commercial beekeeping. Here is an overview of how your strategic participation can generate considerable economic advantages.
Active monitoring and management of honeybee health are key to risk mitigation and the maximization of ROI. An outbreak of contagious diseases such as American Foulbrood (AFB) can severely impact your operation’s productivity, size, and consequently, your financial gains. As a commercial beekeeper or sideliner, your involvement in recognizing and managing these risks is key to preserving the operation’s vitality and ensuring the pollination services remain efficient.
American Foulbrood (AFB) presents a significant challenge to beekeepers worldwide. Caused by the bacterium Paenibacillus larvae, this disease can affect up to 50% of hives in vulnerable areas, severely impacting honeybee populations. The consequences of AFB require the destruction of valuable equipment and can drastically reduce the profitability and viability of beekeeping operations. The financial impact of AFB on the beekeeping industry highlights the urgent need for effective management strategies to address this pervasive threat.
Investing in Dalan’s AFB vaccine represents a strategic move towards securing the health of your colonies and the stability of your business operations. Here’s why:
Adopting Dalan’s AFB vaccine is a calculated decision to improve the economic returns of your commercial beekeeping venture. This move not only protects your investment but also places you at the forefront of scientifically informed beekeeping practices.
Dalan’s vaccine is available now to beekeepers in the US and Canada. Contact Dalan for more information about using the vaccine in your operation, or visit our retailers page to purchase vaccinated queen bees directly.
American Foulbrood represents a significant economic threat to your beekeeping industry, with its ability to remain dormant and then suddenly infect colonies leading to severe losses. The persistence of its spores in the environment for many years complicates prevention efforts, escalating the potential for financial damage over time.
Dalan’s AFB vaccine introduces an innovative solution to preventing American Foulbrood, improving resilience to the disease. This proactive health measure not only mitigates the direct costs associated with disease outbreaks but also contributes to the economic sustainability of your beekeeping operations by ensuring the continuous availability of robust pollination services.
The vaccine, containing inactivated (killed) P. larvae, is administered orally to the queen bee. Attendants caged with the queen are fed queen candy containing the vaccine. Work carried out in Dalan’s laboratories has indicated that the attendants digest the vaccine and produce royal jelly containing vaccine particles. The royal jelly is fed to the queen, and as she ingests it, pieces of the vaccine are transported via her fat body to her ovaries where it is deposited in the eggs. The developing larvae are exposed to the vaccine and start to build up immunity before they hatch. This innovative technique minimizes the risk of AFB outbreaks, leading to more stable and predictable operational costs for your beekeeping enterprises.
Yes, the vaccine is suitable for organic use by being non-GMO and free from harmful chemicals. This compatibility not only adheres to increasing consumer demand for organic products but also allows for premium pricing strategies, improving the economic returns for your beekeeping.
One dose of the vaccine is enough to vaccinate one colony. The vaccine is bottled at 50 doses per vial, therefore we recommend purchasing the vaccine to beekeepers with 50 colonies or greater. Contact a Dalan representative for pricing and to determine the number of doses suitable for your operation.
Compared to traditional AFB management methods, which often involve costly and destructive hive eradication, Dalan’s AFB vaccine offers a cost-effective, long-term solution. By focusing on prevention rather than destruction, the vaccine reduces operational disruptions and financial losses, making it a prudent investment for enhancing the economic sustainability of your beekeeping operations.
Each year the Bee Informed Partnership conducts an annual loss survey with beekeeping operations across the United States. Read more about last year’s loss survey here:
Looking for support? Click to view a summary of current USDA insurance programs, disaster assistance programs, loan programs, and other resources for beekeepers.
Introduction to Dalan Animal Health
What is AFB
Scientific Overview: Honeybee Immunity
AFB Inoculated Queens
Where to Purchase
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