Practices urged to calm SBV panic
Practices have been encouraged to help keep the spread of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) "in perspective," in light of last week's announcement that the virus could spread across the country.
New evidence that the virus has over-wintered came to light following serological testing of cattle and sheep at the RVC's Hertfordshire-based farm, and was announced at a media briefing on the 7 August.
Professor Peter Mertens, head of the vector-born disease programme at the Institute of Animal Health (IAH) said there was no reason why SBV could not spread across the UK. He commented: "The insects are there, the susceptible animals are there, the virus could spread through the whole country."
However, John Fishwick, past president of the BCVA, who - alongside, Professor Mertens and chief veterinary officer Nigel Gibbens - presented the research, encouraged vets to help their clients put the disease "in perspective" and prevent them being "taken over by speculation."
He said: "It might be exponentially increasing, or it might be nothing, but farmers need to understand what is known about it and not get over taken by speculation - I don't think it is the next foot-and-mouth disease."
He added: "However, farmers will be worried about it, and vets giving them some real science, explaining the risks and the experiences we've seen so far, should help put things in perspective - keeping it in context is important."
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
