NI put on alert over SBV
Farmers in Northern Ireland have been encouraged remain alert for cases of the Schmallenberg Virus (SBV) and to exercise caution with livestock exports accordingly. Although the virus is currently concentrated around Northern Europe and Southern England and it is unlikely that the cloud of midges that brought the virus to UK territory from the Continent has reached so far north, it is possible that cases might reach Northern Ireland due to livestock exports from infected areas.
The Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has announced precautionary increases in its surveillance program as a result. "We encourage farmers to report any stillbirth, malformation or nervous disease in new-born animals or foetuses to their vet," said a spokesperson for DARD.
Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neil also recommended that farmers and livestock importers should not source animals from areas known to be infected. "The veterinary assessment is that the main threat is from animals from affected areas and the department would therefore encourage farmers to source stock responsibly." the Minister said.
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.
