Detection of deformed wing virus in the local bee colonies apis mellifera intermissa in algeria and its relationship with varroa destructor

Abstract

Honeybees are threatened by over 18 viruses, nowadays deformed wing virus (DWV) is known to be one of the most prevalent virus worldwide.. This is the first study in Algeria and most North Africa region which is evaluating the prevalence of the DWV in beehives. The objective of this study is to eva-luate the impact of this virus on honey bees mortality, and its relationship to infestation with the Varroa destrutor parasitic mite. We conducted this study on an apiary located in the central region of Algeria. PCR results showed the presence of DWV in Apis mellifera intermissa honey bee colonies, where 42% of the samples are infected with the virus. We highlighted the role of V. destructor and its association with the DWV and the mortality recorded in the same apiary