A tup brought into Northern Scotland from Shropshire has tested positive for novel livestock disease Schmallenberg Virus. Although the disease has not yet been found in Scottish herds, animals in the North of England and Wales have tested positive, both regions were deemed to be unaffected when SBV was discovered last year.

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Testing has revealed animals have been affected by Schmallenberg as far North as Lancashire, North Yorkshire and Northumberland.

Scottish surveillance and farming groups have urged farmers to send animals imported from at-risk areas for testing, and even provided a free testing scheme in an effort to prevent the virus from spreading further North. However, experts have said that, given the cold weather, there is a chance the disease, which is carried in the midge population, may not have spread so far into Scotland this year.  

Schmallenberg Virus was discovered last year affecting livestock in the German town of the same name. Since then the disease has been found in nine other European states. The virus infects cattle, sheep and goats, producing flu-like symptoms at the time of infection. Once infected, animals appear to develop immunity to the virus, though infection in early pregnancy can lead to severe complications including still birth, congenital abnormalities and spontaneous abortion.  

Vets and disease surveillance centres have said the disease is a wakeup call for the government, pointing out that robust disease surveillance is essential to ensuring healthy livestock populations and public safety. The disease’s discovery comes against a backdrop of privatisations and closures of surveillance centres in Britain.

On Wednesday (17th October), NFUS President Nigel Miller commented on the discovery, “The tup’s owner is to be commended for conducting the test and the event underlines the need for all livestock farmers importing stock from SBV-risk areas to test animals for the disease.”

However, he continued, “There is no structured 'sentinel' surveillance in northern England or Scotland and it is therefore possible that the disease is already circulating in the south of Scotland. As midges and other vectors are likely to be active for at least another three weeks, we are advising all our members to speak to their vet if they are concerned about their livestock.”

Brian Hosie, Group Manager SAC Consulting Veterinary Services, added, “This shows the importance and value of post-movement testing and farmers should take advantage of the NFUS-supported testing scheme. I would also commend the farmer for his responsible approach in making the proper checks, we cannot afford to drop our guard against the threat of disease.” 

Schmallenberg is still a relatively new disease and animal health and disease experts have said there are still unknown aspects of the disease. However, modelling suggests that SBV could become established in Scotland south of the Clyde and Forth valleys.

It this thought that a vaccine, currently being developed, will be available as early as next year. Although SBV is currently non-notifiable, industry and government are recommending farmers inform their vet of any abnormalities in order to build as clear a picture as possible.

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