3.1.3. Residues of Veterinary Drugs

The veterinary drugs whose residues were identified in the present study were DMF (*N*-2,4-Dimethylphenyl-formamide) and amitraz (total). Amitraz is used in apiaries against parasitic mites *Varroa destructor*, which are carriers of pathogenic viruses such as Acute Bee Paralysis Virus (ABPV) and Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) [32]. O'Neal et al. [33], however, showed that Amitraz has certain limitations, because exposure to this compound can adversely affect bees' resistance to viral infections. Amitraz and its metabolites significantly alter the heart rate of the honey bee, most likely through interactions with octopamine receptors. A sublethal dose of amitraz can affect the detoxification, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase, immunity, antioxidant capacity, and the development of honeybee queens [34]. Amitraz is not a highly stable substance; in addition to amitraz itself, products of its degradation may be found, such as DMPF (*N*-(2,4 dimethylphenyl)-*N* -methylformamide) and DMF (2,4-dimethylformanilide) [35].
