Episode Details

In this episode, Jeff and Becky delve into the groundbreaking development of the first American Foulbrood (AFB) vaccine for honeybees with Annette Kleiser, co-founder of Dalan Animal Health, and Tim Ferris, a commercial beekeeper based in Pennsylvania and New Zealand.

Annette shares her journey from concept to market, highlighting the challenges faced in creating a vaccine for bees, a vital yet often overlooked livestock. Tim discusses his practical experiences with the vaccine, emphasizing its importance in preventing the devastating effects of AFB.

American Foulbrood has long been a severe threat to beekeeping, capable of destroying entire colonies due to its highly contagious nature. Historically, the only control methods were burning infected hives or using antibiotics. This episode explores the innovative approach of using an oral vaccine, which offers a promising solution to this persistent problem.

Learn about the future implications of this pioneering vaccine and its role in enhancing bee health and sustainability.

(Photo above courtesy USDA)

Links and websites mentioned in this episode:

• Dalan Animal Health: https://dalan.com
• BTP Episode with Dr. Keith Delaplane on the Research: https://beekeepingtodaypodcast.com/s5e30
• Honey Bee Health Coalition Foulbrood Management: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/resources/managing-foulbrood/

• Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com

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Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode!

Thanks to Bee Smart Designs as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper.

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