Prevalence of bee viruses in Austria in the year 2018

Abstract

Bee viruses pose a considerable risk for the health of honeybee colonies all over the world. In this project we aim to collect representative data for eight bee viruses in Austrian honeybee colonies to identify the most problematic virus species. Additionally, we want to raise the awareness of beekeepers for virus infections and to encourage them to integrate preventive measures into their beekeeping routine. In September 2018, 198 beekeepers sampled bees from five of their colonies and sent the living bees to AGES (Austrian Agency of Health and Food Safety Ltd.) for analysis.