Veterinary Medicine Insights: New Vaccine for Deadly Honeybee Pathogen

Veterinary Medicine and Honeybee Health

Dalan Animal Health, Inc., the company responsible for the first honey bee vaccine in 2023, has announced positive findings regarding the efficacy of their new, innovative bacterial vaccine. The experimental vaccine has the potential to significantly reduce the threat of deformed wing virus (DWV) variant B in honey bee populations. The study showed DWV-B quantities to be reduced in vaccinated colonies, with an average reduction of 83%.

Understanding Deformed Wing Virus

DWV-B is one of three major variants of deformed wing virus, alongside DWV-A and DWV-C, the latter of which is less common. DWV-B is becoming rapidly more prevalent worldwide, overtaking DWV-A in several areas. This disease causes deformed wings in adult honey bees, preventing them from foraging.

The Impact of Varroa Mites

• DWV is primarily spread by Varroa destructor mites, which feed on honey bees.
• Currently, there are no direct treatments for DWV, with vector control being the primary method used.

Promising Results from the Study

In the study, 400 honey bee colonies were tested, half with vaccinated queens and the other half with unvaccinated queens. Researchers noted significant reductions in virus load lasting from four months to an entire season, highlighting the vaccine's potential.
Developed using a killed Paenibacillus larvae (P larvae) bacterin, the vaccine opens new possibilities for combating viral threats in honey bee populations.

Expert Insights

Kaitlyn Krebs, DVM, MBA, DABVP, emphasized the significant role that veterinarians play in advising on honey bee health issues, particularly concerning Varroa mites, the number one killer of honey bees.

Future Research Directions

The study awaiting peer review aims to extend claims for DWV protection from the USDA and CFIA for Dalan's existing P. larvae product, marking an important step in the field of veterinary medicine related to honey bee health.