The emergence of a new virus has prompted concern in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.
The Schmallenberg virus can cause abortions and foetal abnormalities in ruminants. There is no evidence of cases in Great Britain, but farmers are asked to be extra vigilant for any abnormal signs or clinical symptoms amongst ruminants.
An NFU briefing has been prepared with further information and details (click here)
Updated information
Belgium: Since the first detection on December 23 2011), an increased number of ruminant abortions, stillbirths, and congenital malformations have been observed in Belgium. Observations have included 13 cattle farms (all found negative), 34 sheep farms (of which 23 tested positive) and two negative goat farms. So far, suspect samples from 94 lambs, 17 calves and five new-born goats have been tested, among which 49 lambs proved positive.
The affected farms are distributed throughout the north of the country (map here), confirming a broad distribution as described previously in the Netherlands. In addition, 23 (historical) blood samples taken from cattle presenting with fever and milk-drop syndrome during the months of September and October 2011 have also been tested. Three of them tested positive, two from the north of the country and one from the South, confirming the circulation of the virus in Belgium during the autumn.
The current information on earlier (September-October 2011) clinical cases in Belgian cattle has only recently been publishedr. Germany and the Netherlands reported fever and milk-drop syndrome (as well as diarrhoea) in dairy cattle in August-September 2011.
Netherlands: The SBV situation in the Netherlands (as of noon, 16 Jan 2012), is as follows:
- Cattle holdings: Tested 63, positive 0
- Sheep holdings: Tested 88, positive 63
- Goat holdings: Tested 7, positive 2
View a distribution map here.
Germany: A map on the German SBV situation, as of 11 Jan 2012, is available here. A current update is anticipated. Pictures of cases in lambs in Germany are available here.
No comments have been made.