Schmallenberg Virus
Also known as: SBV
Introduction
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, Italy and the UK. As it is new, there isn't much know yet but it is in the Simbu serogroup of the Orthobunyavirus group in Bunyaviridae family.
It seems to be similar to e.g. 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.
The virus is not thought to be zoonotic but investigations are being made to confirm this.
Signalment
The disease has so far been identified in cattle, sheep and goats in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and UK.
Clinical Signs
Adult cattle tend to show mild to moderate disease of short duration. Milk drop, diarrhoea and pyrexia may be noticed. Adult sheep seem to show less to no signs. On the other hand signs in adult sheep seemed to be missed more due to less intense supervision as in dairy cattle.
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. Arthrogryposis is an SBV associated deformation. Due to some malformation of the newborns, the mother animal can suffer from extensive birthcanal damage.
Diagnosis
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.
Histopathological and virological examinations are available and will be used but PCR on tissues is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Blood test for the virus are under development.
Treatment and Control
Currently there are no treatments or vaccines available. Control measures for this disease are under investigation.
| Schmallenberg Virus Learning Resources | |
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 Selection of relevant videos |
There is a video on YouTube in German by Prof. Ganter. It is worth watching even if you do not speak German as it contains clips of the clinical signs. |
References
Links to sites with information relevant to the UK:
- Defra
- AHVLA
- VLA and a PDF version