Researchers from the **Virology Institute of INTA** detected the presence of the **Deformed Wing Virus** (DWV) in **Entre Ríos**, a pathogen that **weakens bees**, affects their flying capacity, and in severe cases can lead to the **complete collapse of beehives**.
This study, framed within the **National Apiculture Program**, also allowed for the first complete genome sequencing of DWV in Argentina, a key advancement for the development of **prevention and control tools**.
## Beehives Survey and Analysis in Entre Ríos
The team from the **Virology Institute** analyzed **145 beehives** in different regions of **Entre Ríos**, considering:
– **Diverse floral environments**, from citrus monocultures and eucalyptus to natural grasslands.
– **Two management systems**, migratory and stationary.
The results were conclusive:
– **The virus was detected in 62.06% of the sampled beehives**.
– **Higher incidence in migratory beehives** (86.2% positive), with over a third classified as weak.
– **Lower presence in stationary apiaries** (44.11% positive), with strong or medium populations.
*”If the infection is not controlled, it can lead to a progressive decrease in population until total collapse,”* warned **Fernanda González**, a researcher from INTA.
## Spread Factors and Associated Risks
DWV can be transmitted in various ways:
– **From the queen to her offspring**.
– **Among bees in the same beehive**.
– **Through the Varroa destructor mite**, another enemy present in the evaluated apiaries.
Under normal conditions, the virus can **be present without causing visible symptoms**. However, factors such as **environmental stress, poor nutrition, and mite infestation** can enhance its damaging effects.
## Advances in Apicultural Health: Virus Sequencing
One of the main achievements of the study was the **complete sequencing of the DWV genome**, opening new possibilities to **investigate its behavior and develop mitigation strategies**.
Additionally, the researchers obtained the **complete genome of the Black Queen Cell Virus (BQCV)**, a pathogen that **affects the production of new queens and compromises the balance of bees**.
## Protecting Bees to Preserve the Ecosystem
Apiculture plays a fundamental role in **crop pollination and biodiversity conservation**.
Therefore, studying these viruses and implementing **good apicultural practices** are crucial to **ensure healthy and productive beehives**, essential for environmental balance and food security.
Source: INTA
