Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
JOURNAL OF APICULTURAL RESEARCH, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Honey bee deaths are considered a major global concern. Therefore, epidemiological investigation and continuous monitoring of pathogens or parasites in honey bee colonies are essential for the prevention and control of these diseases. This study investigated the prevalence of honey bee pathogens and parasites across Kosovo between 2019 and 2024. Using molecular techniques, primarily PCR-based methods, adult honey bee samples collected from 36 apiaries were analyzed for the presence of nine viruses (ABPV, BQCV, CBPV, DWV, IAPV, KBV, SBV, VDV-1 and AmFV), two Vairimorpha species (V. apis and V. ceranae), and Paenibacillus larvae, the causative agent of American foulbrood (AFB). Six viruses were determined in 35 apiaries (97.2%), whereas CBPV, KBV and IAPV were not detected in any apiary. BQVC (83.3%) and AmFV (83.3%) were the most prevalent viruses, followed by VDV-1 (80.5%), DWV (41.6%), SBV (33.3%) and ABPV (30.5%). While V. apis was not detected in any apiary, V. ceranae was detected in 16 apiaries (44.4%). Paenibacillus larvae was detected in 13 apiaries (36.1%); genotyping revealed that ten isolates belonged to the ERIC I genotype, while three isolates were classified as ERIC II. Multiple infection with two or more pathogens was observed in 35 apiaries (97.2%). The most complex multiple infection profile was identified in apiary 3 from Gjilan, which was positive for ABPV, BQCV, DWV, AmFV, SBV, VDV-1, P. larvae and V. ceranae. These findings could contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiology and dynamics of honey bee pathogens in Kosovo and may support the development of effective strategies to reduce disease transmission among colonies and apiaries.