00:01 🐝 Introduction to Dalen's work on inoculating Queens against American foul brood (AFB)

• Discussion on Dalen's groundbreaking research in inoculating Queens to resist AFB.
• Overview of the journey from news story to market reality for the AFB vaccine.
• Blake's anticipation and community interest in the vaccine's mechanics, benefits, and long-term implications.

03:32  Amy's background and Dalen's foundation

• Amy Floyd's background and involvement with Dalen's research and development.
• Dalen's inception, growth, and focus on innovative solutions for honeybee health.
• Amy's collaboration with Dalen and transition to joining the team, emphasizing the company's mission and growth.

06:34  Dalen's impact and expansion

• Recognition and awards for Dalen's innovative AFB vaccine.
• Founding members of Dalen and the company's growth to a team of 15.
• Dalen's base in Athens, Georgia, and commitment to sustainable solutions for bee health.

08:45  Honeybee stressors and the significance of AFB

• Overview of stressors affecting honeybees, including diseases, pests, environmental factors, and pesticides.
• Discussion on the global spread and impact of American foul brood (AFB).
• Challenges beekeepers face in managing AFB outbreaks and limitations of current treatment options.

15:15  Understanding honeybee immune system and transgenerational immune priming (TGIP)

• Explanation of honeybee immune system functioning at both individual and colony levels.
• Introduction to transgenerational immune priming (TGIP) and its significance in passing immunity from Queens to offspring.
• The role of vitellogenin and recognition receptors in facilitating TGIP and vaccine effectiveness.

19:22  Dalen's AFB vaccine: Mechanics and application

• Details of Dalen's AFB vaccine, including its composition and regulatory approval.
• Application process involving mixing the vaccine into Queen candy and its pathway through worker bees to Queens.
• Emphasis on the vaccine's natural, chemical-free nature, and its suitability for organic beekeeping practices.

21:09  Tracking Vaccine Particles in Bees' Digestive System

• Vaccine particles marked with fluorescence tracked through worker bees' digestive system.
• Confirmation of vaccine particles reaching the hypopharyngeal glands, crucial for feeding the queen.

24:16  Ensuring Safety and Efficacy of the Vaccine

• Conditional license obtained from USDA after proving safety, efficacy, purity, and batch consistency.
• Field trials conducted to assess survival rates of vaccinated larvae and queens, with positive outcomes.
• No reported cases of AFB after introducing vaccinated queens into commercial operations.

28:49  Potential Benefits and Distribution of the Vaccine

• Anecdotal feedback from beekeepers suggests improved hive balance and productivity with vaccinated queens.
• Options for obtaining the vaccine include ordering vaccinated queens or purchasing the vaccine for self-vaccination.
• Ongoing research aims to explore additional benefits and expand distribution beyond the US and Canada.

43:33  Vaccination Process and Queen Selection

• The vaccination process involves exposing a mated, caged Queen to vaccinated royal jelly.
• The ideal Queen for vaccination is already mated and has developed ovaries.
• Only mated Queens should be vaccinated before introduction into a hive.

45:01  Development and Efficacy of the Vaccine

• The vaccine was developed due to the existence of American foulbrood (AFB) in hives.
• Efficacy studies involved exposing larvae to pathogenic AFB spores to assess effectiveness.
• Vaccinated Queens were not incorporated into commercial operations earlier due to resource limitations.

46:11  Vaccine Residue and Hive Environment

• No vaccine residue is introduced into hives as the vaccination process occurs away from them.
• The vaccine consists of dead bacteria and does not leave any residue in the hive.
• AFB spores can exist in the hive environment naturally, minimizing the introduction of foreign substances.

47:04  Implementation and Cost of Vaccination

• Requeening all hives before vaccination is recommended to avoid complications.
• Vaccinating all hives and Queens is technically feasible but may require significant logistical planning.
• The vaccine primarily serves as a preventative measure against AFB outbreaks.

48:41 Managing Infected Hives and Hive Health

• The vaccine's purpose is preventive; it aims to stop AFB infections rather than treat existing ones.
• Best management practices include burning heavily infected hives to eliminate AFB spores.
• AFB presence in hives may act as a low-level stressor, potentially improving overall hive health.

49:28  Immune Priming and Hive Health Improvement

• Low-level exposure to AFB may prime the colony's immune system, leading to improved hive health.
• Beekeepers may observe healthier and more balanced hives after vaccinating Queens.
• Enhanced immune response may prevent subclinical infections from developing into full outbreaks.