New cases of Schmallenberg Virus
New cases of the Schmallenberg Virus (SBV) have been confirmed at a further seven sheep farms, bringing the UK total to 11 positive cases. The farms in question are located in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and, for the first time, Kent.
The Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) has confirmed that the affected counties (Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent and East Sussex) are in the area that was already identified as being potentially at risk. It is believed that the disease was brought into the UK by midges carrying the virus being blown across the English Channel.
The disease was first detected in German cattle near Schmallenberg, thus giving the new disease its name. Outbreaks typically last 2-3 weeks, and clinical signs include fever, diarrhoea, reduced milk yield, loss of body condition and loss of appetite. The virus has also been linked to miscarriages, stillbirths and congenital abnormalities. Experts have said that they believe the full extent of the spread of the disease will become more apparent as lambing and calving season progresses.
The international community is reacting to the spread of the disease. The Russian Federation has suspended the import of both goats and sheep and any products derived from these animals until further notice, and Mexico has similarly prohibited the import of embryos and sperm from all sheep, goats and bovine animals. Experts from Russia, the Netherlands, Germany and the European Commission will meet to discuss the issue shortly.
Virus Photo: Stefan Sauer
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
