Breve descripcion de la enfermedad, agente infeccioso, sintomas y tratamiento

1. Universidad Central “Marta Abreu” de
Las Villas
FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS AGROPECUARIAS
Departamento de Biología
Black Queen Cells
Author: Michael Crespo
González

2. Objetive.
 To describe Black Queen Cells infection,
symptoms, consequences and treatment.

3. Outline
 Introduction
 Characteristics of BQCV (Black Queen Cell Virus)
 Symptoms
 Spread and infection
 Prevention and management

4. Introducción:
The european bee (Apis mellifera), are insects included in
Hymenoptera order. It has a large distribution and culture
around the world in a very close relation with men who has
developed modern techniques of reproduction and genetic
improvements to ensure resistance to infectious agents and
weather conditions. However many virus infections causes
economic and biological damages.
Drone
Worker
Queen

5. BQCV (Black Queen Cell Virus)
 Caused by a virus in the family Dicistroviridae which infect many
common insects like ants, flies and bees. The queen production
industry is more probably affected, but it´s still found in non
industrial production.
 BQCV virus primarily attacks developing queens. The virus can still
be found in workers and drones, but they do not appear to have any
symptoms.
 This virus is typically detected by PCR, or polymerase chain
reaction, a common molecular technique that amplifies the genetic
material of the virus.

6. BQCV (Black Queen Cell Virus)
Queen larvae, when infected, will die and
turn a pale yellow color. The larvae will
then darken, turning from brown to black.
The remains can be seen at any point after
cell capping.
Once the larvae are black, you may notice
that the outside of the wax queen cells
will have a black “oily” spot on them,
indicating a dead larva inside.

7. Symptoms:
 Larvae turn pale yellow with tough skin at first, in
queen larvae only.
 Larvae then darken from brown to black. At this
stage the exterior of the cell wall will appear to
be dark.
 Black ring structure at the end of the queen cell.
If one queen cell appears symptomatic, the
remaining cells in the same graft must be inspected
for proper examination, usually at lab.

8. Spread and infection
BQCV is thought to be transmitted by nurse bees (cares larvae) when
they feeds larvae with infected brood food.
The virus may remain viable in larval remains, honey or pollen for up
to four weeks.
Honey bees drifting between hives, contaminated water and
equipment can also spread BQCV.

9. Prevention and Management
 Able to be controlled in most colonies with appropriate
nutrition, young queen bees and the placement of hives in a
warm and sunny position over the autumn, winter and spring
periods. This will help keep colonies strong, remove extra
stresses and also reduce the potential of other diseases
infection.
 The beekeeper should maintain good apiary hygiene and be
aware of the symptoms of BQCV.
 If a beekeeper believes cell starters or nucleus hives are
infected, they should not be used for raising queen bees, or
sold or distributed. This will help stop the spread of infected
queen bees to other hives and regions.

10. Conclusions
 Virus like BQCV are potentially infectious cause it´s way
to propagation, direct action against the grow of the
hive (by killing the queen larvae) and difficult diagnosis
which requires a laboratory work.
 Virus can be detected in workers and drones with no
symptoms allowing desease to continue it´s spreading.
 It is vital to maintain good apiary hygiene and periodic
observation of the hives looking for symptoms of BQCV.

11. Bibliography
Milito. M. 2011 Biologia delle api. Instituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale
delle Regioni Lazio eToscana.
http://www.arturosoria.com Las abejas: Vida en sociedad. Fecha de
publicación: 20 de noviembre 2000
Van. J. 2015 Prevención y control integrado de plagas y enfermedades.
Centro de Investigaciones Apícolas Tropicales Universidad Nacional de Costa
Rica.
Ericson. E. et al. 2009 A Scanning Microscope Atlas of the Honey Bee. Carl
Hiden Bee Research Center.
Verde. M. et al. 2013 Apicultura Salud y Producción Guía para el apicultor.
Instituto de Medicina Veterinaria, Ministerio de la Agricultura.
http://www.beeinformed.org BQCV (Black Queen Cell Virus) Fecha de
publicacion: 4 de diciembre 2013

12. Thank you

13. Universidad Central “Marta Abreu” de
Las Villas
FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS AGROPECUARIAS
Departamento de Biología
Black Queen Cells
Author: Michael Crespo
González