Farmers urged to get livestock tested for Schmallenberg virus (SBV), which is on the rise in the UK
Farmers are being warned to test their livestock for a virus that causes birth defects in livestock.
Lambing flocks across the country are experiencing higher than normal losses from deformed lambs, while early calving herds are also yielding calves with congenital defects.
The birth - at a farm in Conwy - comes amid growing concerns about the rise of Schmallenberg virus (SBV). The lamb was put down shortly after birth.
As of March 17, worst affected counties in Wales were Denbighshire and Powys with seven cases each.
In England, Cumbria has 12 cases, with 11 in Devon and 10 each in Shropshire and Lancashire.
As the industry enters the main lambing season, and more animals are offered for examination, these figures are expected to rise rapidly.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) will fund SBV testing if the midge-borne disease is suspected.
An industry statement said: “Test results, whether negative or positive, allow you to confirm or rule out specific disease issues in that animal and potentially in the wider herd/flock, so there is value to the individual farm in investigation.”
As well as AHDB, the industry’s SBV coalition includes the British Cattle Veterinary Association, British Veterinary Association, Goat Veterinary Society, National Beef Association, NFU, National Sheep Association, The Pirbright Institute and Sheep Veterinary Society.
At present there is no vaccine available and it is already too late to vaccinate sheep that are due to lamb or cows due to calve this spring.
However, vaccine will become available later this year.
Dr Simon Carpenter, head of entomology at the Pirbright Institute, said it was vital that virus levels were accurately mapped as this will inform what actions the industry needs to take to protect itself against SBV later in the year.
He added: “SBV is transmitted between ruminants by midges at a far higher rate than bluetongue virus and so spreads more quickly through farms.
“This might also mean that it can be transmitted effectively at lower temperatures and so extend the season during which the virus is a threat.”
- To find out more about assistance with SBV testing, contact your local APHA Veterinary Investigation Centre.
To find your nearest post mortem examination centre, use APHA’s online postcode search tool.
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/birth-defect-virus-warning-after-12786958
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