Environmental DNA analysis of honey samples for the detection of Serratia marcescens and Malpighamoeba mellificae Across Australia- raw data

The bacterium Serratia marcescens and the protozoan Malpighamoeba mellificae are opportunistic and rare pathogens, respectively, that can compromise digestive health in honey bees (Apis mellifera). To assess their presence in Australia, we applied an environmental DNA (eDNA) approach using honey (n = 135) collected across multiple states. S. marcescens was detected in 78 samples, while M. mellificae was not detected, highlighting honey-based eDNA analysis as a valuable surveillance tool for emerging bee health threats.