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| − | ==Introduction==
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| − | Schmallenberg Virus is a new emerging disease of livestock. It was named after the German town where it was first noticed. So far the virus has been detected in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK. As it is new, there isn't much know yet but it is in the Simbu serogroup of the Orthobunyavirus group.
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| − | It seems to be similar to e.g. [[Akabane Virus|Akabane]] and Shamonda viruses. These are vector transmitted, such as by [[midges]], [[mosquitoes]] and [[ticks]]. At this point it is unclear whether there is a potential for direct contact transmission.
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| − | The virus is not thought to be zoonotic but investigations are being made to confirm this.
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| − | ==Signalment==
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| − | The disease has so far been identified in cattle, sheep and goats in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and UK.
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| − | ==Clinical Signs==
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| − | Adult cattle tend to show mild to moderate disease of short duration. Milk drop, diarrhoea and pyrexia may be noticed. Sheep do not seem to show similar signs.
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| − | There may be abortion in the later stages of pregnancy or defects in newborn calves, lambs or kids. These defects could be exhibited as brain, limb or spinal cord malformations or nervous system damage such as ataxia, blindness, inability to nurse or stand and occasional convulsions.
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| − | ==Diagnosis==
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| − | In the UK, Schmallenberg virus is not a notifiable disease, however, farmers and encouraged to contact their veterinarians in cases of stillbirths or fetal malformations or nervous system signs. Veterinarians in turn should contact their AHVLA/SAC laboratory if they suspect Schmallenberg virus infection.
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| − | Histopathological and virological examinations are available and will be used but [[PCR]] on tissues is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
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| − | Blood test for the virus are under development.
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| − | ==Treatment and Control==
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| − | Currently there are no treatments or vaccines available. Control measures for this disease are under investigation.
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| − | ==References==
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| − | [http://www.defra.gov.uk/animal-diseases/a-z/schmallenberg-virus/ Defra]
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| − | [http://www.defra.gov.uk/ahvla/tag/Schmallenberg/ AHVLA]
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| − | [http://vla.defra.gov.uk/science/sci_schmallenberg.htm VLA] and a [http://vla.defra.gov.uk/science/docs/sci_schmallenberg.pdf PDF version]
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