Schmallenberg virus has been identified in two new UK counties. The number of confirmed infections in the UK has risen by 18 cases to 176, according to the latest AHVLA update, which showed SBV has been discovered on farms in Warwickshire and Greater London.

Of the 176 infected farms in the UK, twelve of the positive cases have been diagnosed in cattle, 164 in sheep, and none to date in other species such as goats, camelids or deer, though goats and bison have been affected in continental Europe.

Although all counties currently affected by SBV in England have been identified as ‘at risk’ by AHVLA modelling based on midge incursions from affected areas last summer, Warwickshire (as well as Lincolnshire and Leicestershire which have also had farms affected by the virus), was in the ‘low risk’ category, the second lowest degree of risk identified by AHVLA modelling.

In a statement today, the AHVLA said that, despite the fact that SBV infections remain within ‘at risk’ areas, “It is likely that domestic midges have transmitted SBV within the affected areas.”

The disease is believed to be spread by biting insects, as a number of other diseases in its virus group are spread in the same way. It is not thought to present a risk to humans due to the absence of certain genetic code.

The disease has flu-like symptoms for infected cows, however, infected sheep do not show any symptoms. If pregnant animals are infected, SBV can cause still birth and congenital abnormalities in foetuses.

In Europe, the number of countries affected by the virus has risen to eight; a case was discovered on a sheep and goat farm in Andalusia, Southern Spain on 6th March. Germany, where the first case of the eponymous virus was discovered, continues to be the worst affected country. Almost 1,000 of the 2,000 cases in Europe are in Germany.

Yesterday, Members of the European Parliament questioned the Commission on what it was doing to monitor and combat the new disease. MEPs called for financial assistance to be given to affected farmers and for a swift, cohesive response to the disease from the EU, including working together to develop a vaccine and monitoring the disease’s spread.

The commission promised to take a transparent and efficient approach to the disease, making updates available on the internet and sharing information between institutions.

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