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

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