SBV hits the Midlands
The presence of the Schmallenberg Virus (SBV) has been confirmed on farms in Leicestershire and Lincolnshire, marking the first time the virus has been detected in the Midlands. This brings the total number of known positive cases to 158, of which eleven were in cattle and 147 were in sheep. No cases have been reported in other species in the UK, although cases of SBV have been detected in bison and goats on the Continent.
The Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) has confirmed that the virus has only been detected in areas already known to be at risk due to the spread of midges from Northern Europe during the previous summer and autumn.
Veterinary Surgeons who would like further information or guidance on the SBV are advised to contact their nearest AHVLA Laboratory in England and Wales or their nearest SAC Disease Surveillance Centre in Scotland. Guidelines on recommended hygiene precautions can also be found on the DEFRA website.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.
