Farmers in Scotland are today being reminded to maintain good biosecurity, source stock sensibly and seek veterinary advice if they have concerns about the health of their stock, after a ram imported onto Orkney from Shropshire, where Schmallenberg Virus has affected livestock, tested positive for the novel livestock disease.

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The reminder also follows results from surveillance from across England and Wales, which shows the disease has spread to new areas this season, reaching as far north as North Yorkshire, Lancashire and Northumberland. Animals on three farms have tested positive for Schmallenberg antibodies following testing by SAC veterinary services after being brought into Scotland from infected areas of England and Wales.

Though no other cases have been reported in Scotland, farming unions have suggested the disease could be present in the south of the country, as there are currently no strict measures in place to prevent its spread. SBV is not notifiable in the UK and no restrictions are placed on infected premises.

The novel disease, which is transmitted by biting insects, was first detected last summer in Germany. Since that time it has affected cattle in a number of central European states, with isolated cases also reported in Italy, Spain, Finland and Denmark. The disease causes flu-like symptoms in sheep, goats and cattle, but infection in early pregnancy can lead to serious complications.

Testing of animal being brought into the country is being delivered for free in Scotland by SRUC (formerly SAC) in partnership with the Scottish Government and NFU Scotland. Farmers have been advised to remain vigilant, take advantage of free testing and report any irregular occurrences to their veterinarian.

Government urges caution and vigilance

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said on Thursday, "Whilst Schmallenberg virus may be a relatively low impact disease, infection during particular stages of pregnancy could leads to problems around lambing or calving time. Farmers should therefore exercise caution when importing animals into their farm and discuss with their vet any appropriate use of commercially available testing for Schmallenberg, and indeed screening for any other livestock disease."

Kim Willoughby of the Virus Surveillance Unit at Moredun commented on the situation, "The widespread detection of SBV in England and Wales and the recent detection of imported sheep with antibodies to SBV in Scotland underlines the importance of vigilance for this disease. Vets and farmers in Scotland should consider testing for this virus where animals have signs suggestive of disease, including milk drop in dairy cattle and deformity of calves and lambs."

"Many uncertainties remain about how this virus will behave long term and the importance of the vector and the influence of weather conditions are likely to be key in whether or not the virus becomes established in Scotland."

The government has said it is holding meetings with industry representatives over the issue. On Thursday, government personnel met with members of NFUS, the National Sheep Association, National Beef Association and the Scottish Beef Cattle Association and experts from a number of research institutes to discuss SBV.

Moredun Research Institute and SRUC are recommending testing animals brought in from affected areas between 14 and 21 days after their import, if practicable. Positive results could suggest a risk of the introduction of SBV to a flock or herd. If the virus is active on the unit then delaying mating until a high proportion of the flock or herd is immune may be advisable. If imported animals test negative, animals are almost certainly not exposed and there is no need to test the flock. Testing of animals pre-purchase should also be considered.

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