Schmallenberg Virus has been found in cattle in the North of England.

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Experts had suggested the virus could spread further afield this year, having first appeared in Southern England when midges carrying the disease were blown over the Channel from Mainland Europe last year. The disease was first identified in Germany in August 2011, since then it is known to have spread to nine other countries.

Experts said that, if the disease survived in the midge population, it could spread further into England, Wales and Scotland. Late last month, the disease was detected in cattle on a farm in Ceredigion, Wales.    

The disease causes flu-like symptoms in cattle, sheep and goats, but can lead to spontaneous abortion, stillbirth and congenital abnormalities when animals are infected during the early stages of pregnancy. Once infected, animals develop immunity to the disease.

On Tuesday (9th October) Defra revealed animals on farms in Yorkshire and Northumberland had tested positive for Schmallenberg infection, suggesting the disease has spread into northern England, as had been feared.

Commenting on the discovery, NFU Scotland President Nigel Miller urged farmers in Scotland to be vigilant in an effort to reduce the potential spread and increase understanding of the disease. He said, “Those farms in the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway planning on putting rams or bulls out in the coming weeks should consider the risk of SBV and seek advice from their vet on the possible benefits of delaying until later in the year.” 

Although lower temperatures this year have reduced midge activity and, as a result, may have reduced the potential for the disease to spread, NFUS has urged farmers to be aware of the risks and had provided funding to allow those importing stock from SBV risk areas to test for the virus.

Mr Miller added, “Keepers should remain vigilant to any ill health within their herd or flock and test where SBV might be considered as a possible diagnosis.”

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