Scottish farmers are being urged to remain alert to the possibility of Schmallenberg Virus (SBV) being detected in their flocks and herds. The Scottish Government made an announcement on Tuesday, reminding livestock keepers of the importance of maintaining good biosecurity, sourcing stock sensibly and seeking veterinary advice if they have concerns about the health of their stock.

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The advice comes after Schmallenberg Virus has been detected in a number of animals recently moved into Scotland from areas where SBV is known to be circulating in England and Wales, and following the recent publication of updated figures on infection in the UK as a whole by AHVLA.

Schmallenberg is a novel disease that is known to affect sheep, cattle, goats and deer. First discovered in Germany in Summer 2011, the virus is passed on via biting insects and causes flu like symptoms in some infected animals. If animals contract SBV in the early stages of pregnancy it can lead to foetal malformations, spontaneous abortion and stillbirth.

To date, several thousand cases of the disease have been reported across ten European states; the Scottish government pointed out that no acute cases have been recorded in Scotland.

The latest Animal Health figures reveal there have been 976 cases of Schmallenberg reported in the UK. This figure has been gained from blood tests and foetal malformations submitted for testing. AHVLA announced on Friday (14th December) that two of its enhanced surveillance initiatives would be ceasing operation, stating "the enhanced surveillance has served the purpose for which it was introduced: to identify cases in previously unaffected areas as early as possible" and adding that Schmallenberg virus has now been identified in most counties of England and Wales, having spread "rapidly" over the summer.

SBV remains a non-notifiable disease in the UK.

On Tuesday, Scotland's Chief Veterinary Officer Sheila Voas said, "In the absence of a vaccine, the message to farmers is that they should continue to exercise vigilance, particularly about animal movements, which are the most likely source of SBV infection in Scotland.

"Current evidence from surveillance carried out across Europe suggests that infection with Schmallenberg virus has a relatively low impact.  However, farmers should be particularly alert when cows and ewes are in early stages of pregnancy as infection then can lead to problems at lambing or calving time. Farmers should exercise caution when introducing new animals into their farm and should consider testing breeding stock for the SBV antibody.  They may also wish to test potential purchases prior to movement on to farm: we would suggest that farmers discuss this with their vet."

She urged any farmers encountering foetal abnormalities, stillbirths or signs of nervous disease in newborn animals to contact their vet or local SAC Consulting laboratory. AHVLA said Farmers in England and Wales should contact their veterinarians if they have concerns and vets should contact their local AHVLA Investigation Centre if they require advice.

A vaccine against the disease is currently under development and may be available as early as 2013.