Distribution of recently identified bee-infecting viruses in managed honey bee (Apis mellifera) populations in the USA

Abstract

Viral infections are commonly associated with honey bee (Apis mellifera) colony mortality. Using metagenomics, we previously identified 8 viruses from populations of honey bees and 11 other bee species around the world. These viruses had not been previously been described as bee-infecting viruses, and belong to viral families that are not commonly described in bees. To provide a fine-scale characterization of these viruses in the USA, we screened bees from the 2015 USDA National Honey Bee Disease Survey. Two viruses are widespread, and thus likely require further characterization, while four may represent emerging or under surveyed infections. We also compare different approaches for screening samples for viral infections. This study demonstrates the importance of creating and maintaining large-scale collections for the broader research community.