Schmallenberg Virus detected in Europe
The so-called Schmallenberg Virus, first recognised only last year in the vicinity of the West German area of the same name, has been detected in livestock across Northern Europe. Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands have all reported cases and the Dutch Minister for Agriculture and Foreign Trade has formally requested that other EU Member States instate a mandatory notification obligation.
The virus has now been detected in a malformed calf in Germany, and nine Belgian sheep farms have tested positive for the virus. No malformations have been reported yet in France, Luxembourg and the United Kingdom, but these countries are monitoring the situation closely. France has already instated a obligatory notification.
The Netherlands have been particularly affected by the outbreak, with reports having been received from a total of 157 farming operations of symptoms that may indicate a Schmallenberg virus infection.
In the UK, the BVA is urging vigilance. Carl Padgett, President of the British Veterinary Association, commented: “Farmers and vets should be extra vigilant where ruminants have been imported from the affected areas. The symptoms described in adults are quite generic but this disease seems to affect a few animals, not just one.”
He added: “Any suspect signs should be reported to the local AHVLA or SAC laboratory. As information and knowledge about this disease is accruing all the time vets and farmers are strongly advised to keep up to date via the Defra website.”
“Although the risk of transmission to humans is considered very low it cannot be excluded and we recommend farmers and vets take all sensible precautions to prevent infection.”
The Schmallenberg virus is of the genus Orthobunyavirus, appears to have a relationship with the Shamonda, Ainoand Akabane viruses, and is believed to be spread by midge bites. Orthobunyaviruses in cattle are normally found in Australia, Oceania and Africa, although cases in Europea are not unprecedented. The disease initially causes very mild symptoms and can lead to significant congenital damages and prematures births in pregnant animals. It is not thought to be zoonotic in nature and does not appear to affect humans. A virus antibody test is currently being developed.
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Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
