SBV - more cases confirmed
The Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) has confirmed that the Schmallenberg Virus (SBV) has been detected in two more counties, specifically Warwickshire and Greater London. Furthermore, AHVLA has raised the number of total known cases of farms where SBV has been detected to 176, of which 12 are in cattle and 164 are in sheep. Although a small number of cases have also been detected in other ruminants on the Continent, no such cases have been reported in UK territory.
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.
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.
