Vaccine for bees could protect hives from killer disease

THE world’s first vaccine for honey bees has been approved by the US government, raising hopes it can protect colonies from a deadly bacterial disease.

It is hoped the “breakthrough” vaccine will help in the fight against American foulbrood, which originated in the United States and has since spread around the world.

Honey bees are a critical component of global agriculture, with a third of theworld’s food supply relying on pollination.

The US and other countries have seen a decline in colonies, with beekeepers required to destroy and burn any infected with American foulbrood to prevent further spread.

“Our vaccine is a breakthrough in protecting honey bees,” said Dr Annette Kleiser, chief executive of Dalan Animal Health, the US biotech company behind the drug.

The vaccine is administered by mixing it into the royal jelly worker bees feed to queens, offering protection to future offspring once it is ingested and reaches the ovaries.