First molecular confirmation of deformed wing virus infections of honeybees from a Belgian apiary reveals the presence of black queen cell virus and Varroa destructor virus 1

Abstract

Eight emerging young bees with wing deformities were examined using existing RT-PCR tests for the presence of viral agents. AH samples tested positive for deformed wing virus and Varroa destructor virus 1. Six out of eight bees also tested positive for black queen cell virus (BQCV). This is the first report that confirms the presence of honeybee viruses in Belgium by molecular means. The finding of BQCV is remarkable, as no typical signs of this disease have ever previously been reported in our country.