First ‘home-bred’ Scottish case of Schmallenberg confirmed

A ROUTINE blood test on the dairy herd at Barony campus of SRUC, outside Dumfries, has shown that the Schmallenberg virus (SBV), which can cause abortion or birth defects is now circulating in Scotland.

Eight cows in the 160-cow strong herd tested positive for SBV antibodies, indicating exposure to the virus last year but no deformed calves have yet been born on the farm. The affected cows were homebred and no animals had been added to the herd from outside Scotland.

Although there have been a number of confirmed cases of SBV in Scotland, up to now all have involved animals that had been brought into Scotland. Yesterday’s outbreak was the first evidence that suggested exposure to infected midges in Scotland.

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Rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead said that, after watching how the disease had spread north following its introduction in south-east England in 2011, it was no surprise to find it in Scotland but it was “both disappointing and a headache” which farmers could do without.

He advised farmers to continue to exercise vigilance, particularly when moving animals on to their farms, saying they should consider testing breeding stock for the SBV antibody.

“Current evidence from surveillance carried out across Europe suggests that infection with Schmallenberg virus has a relatively low impact but we know that it can cause difficulties when cows or ewes are infected in the early stages of pregnancy,” he said.

Brian Hosie, manager of SAC Consulting Veterinary Services, advised all farmers who encountered foetal abnormalities, stillbirths or newborns that showed signs of nervous disease to contact their vet, or their local Veterinary Services Disease Surveillance Centre. He said: “Do not assume these are cases of Schmallenberg as other diseases can cause birth defects in lambs and calves and it is important to know which you are dealing with.”

Work on providing a vaccine against the disease is proceeding and NFUS president Nigel Miller said he was hopeful emergency authorisation for this would be given by the summer.

ANDREW ARBUCKLE

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