More SBV cases confirmed
The Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) has confirmed a sharp rise in the number of confirmed cases of the Schmallenberg Virus (SBV). 121 cases have now been confirmed, of which eight are in cattle and 113 are in sheep. Furthermore, four new counties have been infected – Cambridgeshire, Devon, Dorset and Somerset. None of the infected farms have reported importing livestock from infected areas of the Continent during 2011.
Observers are predicting further rises in the immediate future due to the start of lambing and calving season. Animals infected during the previous midge season will shortly be giving birth in greater numbers, leading to the extent of the infection becoming more readily detectable in light of SBV's impact in terms of stillbirths and birth defects.
Although SBV is not believed to be hazardous to humans, anyone coming into contact with livestock, entering a farm or otherwise handling anything that could have been exposed to livestock bodily fluids is advised to follow the hygiene recommendations published by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). It is advised that care should be taken with the washing of hands, particularly before eating, and that pregnant women should follow the advice found here.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
