Just days after the novel livestock virus was discovered in cattle In the Republic of Ireland, Schmallenberg virus has been detected for the first time in Northern Ireland.

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The virus is causing concern over a wider area, having first been discovered in Germany in summer 2011, the virus was revealed to have spread throughout much of Central and Western Europe and increased its range further this year. Schmallenberg virus is spread by biting insects; the disease is thought to have overwintered in the midge population in England, allowing it to spread into Wales, further North towards Scotland and across the Irish Sea when midges became more active earlier this year.

Although the virus’ affects are relatively mild in sheep and goats, it causes flu-like symptoms in cattle. If animals are infected during early pregnancy, SBV can lead to severe complications.

The virus was detected in a calf in Couty Down, during testing by scientists at the AFBI Institute on behalf of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Earlier this week, the disease was detected in a malformed cow foetus from County Cork, in the Republic of Ireland.

Although a second calf from the same unit tested negative, DARD said the calf also showed signs associated with Schmallenberg infection.

Speaking on Wednesday (31st October), Northern Ireland’s Agriculture Minister, Michelle O'Neill, said, "These developments are unsurprising, given the rapid spread of the virus across northern Europe and large parts of Britain since it was first identified in late 2011. [However,] any losses as a result of this disease are regrettable. I would encourage farmers if they suspect presence of the disease to contact their veterinary practitioner."

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