A Liberal Democrat MP has challenged the Westminster government on their handling of the Schmallenberg outbreak, which is creating a climate of fear in the sheep industry.

The newly discovered livestock virus, which causes stillbirths and congenital abnormalities in ruminants if pregnant animals are affected, is thought to have spread to the UK via midges late last year. The disease has affected counties across the South and East coast and as far north as Gloucester.

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Mr Farron criticised the government for not offering advice on importing livestock from other affected regions of Europe, as veterinary scientists are still unsure as to whether the disease can be passed from one animal to another, and for not making the disease notifiable.

Meanwhile, the Suffolk chair of the National Sheep Association has also expressed concerns that not all cases of Schmallenberg virus are being reported to the AHVLA, which he said could hamper the government’s ability to build up an accurate picture of the infection and act appropriately to it. Andrew Foulds, whose own flock has been hit with Schmallenberg urged all farmers to report abnormalities to their local AHVLA centre for testing.

The number of Schmallenberg Virus cases confirmed in the UK rose to 83 on Monday, of which 78 were on sheep farms. European laboratories are working together to monitor the disease, and scientists in continental Europe are said to be close to developing a blood test, which would enable on farm testing and facilitate information gathering.

All cases of SBV which are currently being reported are thought to have been caused by midges spreading the infection in Autumn 2011, meaning farmers in ‘at risk’ regions can currently only hope and wait this lambing season.

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