Schmallenberg detected in Welsh cows

Welsh farmers are being urged to be vigilant following detection of the Schmallenberg Virus (SBV) for the first time in their country.

Three cows and a calf from the county of Ceredigion showed a presence of SBV antibodies when tested, following close scrutiny of the virus since its arrival in Britain late last year.

As of this July, 275 UK farms have reported SBV positive. The Animal Health Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA), the Welsh Government and the Wales Animal Health and Welfare Strategy Steering Group have been expecting the virus to hit Wales ever since.

The cows of Ceredigion are thought to have been infected up to a year ago, when they were on the holding. Farmers in the country are now being urged to look out for any unusually high incidences of abortion or congenital abnormalities, including deformed or weak lambs.

The Farmers Union of Wales say the findings are "very concerning".

Chairman of the union's animal health and welfare committee, Dr Catherine Nakielny, said: "There is a strong need to continue to monitor SBV in Wales and to this end livestock farmers should be vigilant and report suspicions to their private veterinary surgeon."

It is thought that the virus first arrived in Britain last year when midges were blown over from the continent. The warm, wet weather of this summer has provided a good breeding ground for the midges - insects which spread SBV amongst cattle and sheep.