Farmers are being urged to be vigilant and look for signs of a new virus that affects cattle and sheep.
The NFU is asking livestock keepers to report any unusual signs such as stillbirths or birth defects to the Animal Health & Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA).
NFU South East livestock board chair Howard Bates, a sheep farmer from Romney Marsh in Kent, said: “Farmers need to be aware of the clinical signs of this virus which is thought to have come here with infected midges that blew in during last summer or autumn. This is a relatively new virus and there is still much that we don’t know about it, but we do know it causes stillbirths and birth deformities in cattle and sheep. Farmers have a key role to play in helping to further understanding of this new virus by working with vets who should submit samples from suspected cases for testing.
Mr Bates conveys a message to all livestock farmers. He adds: “Please think twice and consider the bigger picture before importing ruminants from the affected parts of Europe and make sure you discuss plans with your vet first to reduce the risk of buying in the virus.”
The AHVLA and the UK scientific community are working closely with colleagues in Germany and The Netherlands to learn as much as possible about this virus.
NFU South East PR Officer Isobel Bretherton tel: 01730 711956/07778 002617 isobel.bretherton@nfu.org.uk
Notes To Editors:
Schmallenberg virus http://www.defra.gov.uk/ahvla/2012/01/12/schmallenberg-virus/
Ruminants -cattle, sheep and goats
NFU South East, Unit 8, Rotherbrook Court, Bedford Road, Petersfield, Hampshire GU32 3QG
Telephone: 01730 711950 ISDN: 01730 266023
http://www.nfuonline.com
The NFU is the voice of British farming and provides professional representation and services to its farmer and grower members.
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