Schmallenberg Virus - New Emerging Disease of Ruminants

Schmallenberg Virus (SBV) is a newly discovered virus that has been associated with brief mild/moderate disease in adult cattle (fever, reduced milk yield, sometimes diarrhoea) and abortion or birth defects in newborn ruminants in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and GB.

More recently (since November 2011 onwards) there have been reports of miscarriages and stillbirths associated with congenital (present at birth) abnormalities affecting mainly sheep but also cattle and goats.

There are still many uncertainties around this new virus, such as the vector responsible for transmission, the geographic distribution, transmissibility of infected animals and the virus origin.

This is not a notifiable disease, and as such there are no trade restrictions in place. There are no control measures in place in any of the affected countries in the EU.

Farmers planning to import animals should enquire about the health history of herds of origin.

DARD is continuing to monitor developments including discussions at the European Commission.

To assist early detection, were infection to occur here, farmers are asked to inform their veterinary surgeon of any stillbirth, malformation or nervous disease in new born animals or foetuses born to ruminant dams imported from mainland Europe since June 2011.

In addition to provide an assurance that the disease is not already present here, all farmers are asked to inform their PVPs about any serious malformations or nervous signs in new born animals in their herds or flocks.

DARD is also considering what, if any, further surveillance is required in NI.

As there is uncertainty about the method of spread, good biosecurity practices should be followed, especially when dealing with imported animals.  This includes the single use of needles and good disinfection procedures when dealing with products of afterbirth.

Further information is available from:

Last Updated 02 March 2012