Schmallenberg Virus - News and updates - 2013

[Gert van der Hoek]

Update Schmallenberg virus in France

jan 3, 2012

From september 1 2012 tot januari 2 2013 221 holdings were suspected to have animals infected with SBV.

180 holdings were confirmed: 112 sheep, 14 goat and 95 cattle holdings.

Depuis le 1er septembre 2012, ce sont au total 221 suspicions qui ont été enregistrées (112 élevages ovins, 14 élevages caprins, et 95 élevages bovins).

180 élevages ont été confirmés atteints par des formes congénitales de SBV, répartis dans 45 départements : 02, 03, 04, 05, 08, 10, 12, 15, 17, 18, 19, 2A, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31, 34, 35, 37, 38, 42, 44, 52, 54, 56, 58, 64, 65, 67, 68, 69, 70, 73, 74, 76, 77, 81, 84, 85, 86 et 89.

Sont concernés : 95 élevages ovins, 10 élevages caprins et 75 élevages bovins.

More, incl. map: Survepi

For previous reports and updates please see:

Schmallenberg virus : new Akabane-like virus in cattle, sheep and goats in Europe - 2011/2012

[Gert van der Hoek]

machinetranslation

Belarus (White Russia) announced import restrictions from Hungary.


"In Hungary, one case of Schmallenberg virus observed".

05/01/2013

Reacted to the Ministry of Rural Development (VM) press office for the Saturday news that Belarus is temporary restrictions introduced from Hungary ruminants - cattle, sheep, and goats - import and transit in Germany in 2011, appeared to and from said further spread of epizootic disease.

A White Russian veterinary service to the limit Saturday's report argued that in Hungary "was found in animals that are carriers of the virus Schmallenberg".

The VM press offices of MTI interest, he declared, "In Hungary, only one disease case was observed by the Ministry of Rural Development and reported to the World Health Organisation (OIE)." the agriculture ministry effectively manages the situation - said, adding that more information on Monday they serve.

Ma.hu





Belarus imposes temporary restrictions on transit, import of cattle from Hungary


05.01.2013

MINSK, 5 January (BelTA) - Belarus has imposed temporary restrictions on transit and import of cattle from Hungary, BelTA learnt from the Veterinary and Food Supervisory Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

The animals seropositive to Schmallenberg virus were detected in Hungary, the department informed. In this connection, Belarus has imposed temporary restrictions on transit and import of cattle and genetic material retrieved from the specified species from Hungary to the country.

BELTA

[Gert van der Hoek]

machinetranslation

A large proportion of Swedish herds have been exposed to infection

Schmallenbergvirus (SBV), which is spread by midges have been only a few months been widely adopted throughout Sweden. Surveillance Results autumn 2012 and Map of results bulk milk survey (pdf).

A first bulk milk screening was done in May-June 2012, when found only one positive herd, located in Blekinge. In a second bulk milk screening conducted in november, 75% of the surveyed herds positive for antibodies. The large spread of Schmallenbergvirus in Sweden has occurred between June / July to October 2012th

Your participation as owners needed to monitor the presence of the virus in Sweden. Below we describe the viral disease signs. But these signs may also have several other causes as to whether they are caused by Schmallenbergvirus have samples taken from the animals and analyzed at SVA after contact with the veterinarian. To evaluate the effects of crews, two types of studies to be done;

First By analyzing fetuses and stillborn animals will closely study the types of injuries that can be attributed to Schmallenbergvirus. There are indications that infection can cause symptoms wider than just malformed offspring. This collection will continue until enough materials come in to get a clear picture. This sampling is not done to confirm the SBV in each herd, but to give an idea of the impact the disease has had on fetal

2nd Several questionnaires to owners will be constructed to obtain a more comprehensive picture of the effects of infection on herd level.

SVA (National Veterinary Institute)

Surveillance Results autumn 2012 and Map of results bulk milk survey (pdf).

[Gert van der Hoek]

Wales

Farmer: "Schmallenberg disease has killed half of my lambs"

Last updated Tue 8 Jan 2013

A farmer has told ITV Wales News that 50 per cent of his lambs have died because of the Schmallenberg disease (SBV).

Tim Prichard, who has a farm in Llamntrisant, Pontyclun, says he expected 180 lambs to be born this season but 60 have died already.

Mr Prichard says other farmers are experiencing the same thing with one losing all but one of his 23 lambs.

Schmallenberg is a disease that causes late abortion or birth defects in newborn cattle, sheep and goats.

In December last year the Chief Veterinary Officer Christianne Glossop said that there was evidence the infection was "across most if not all counties in Wales" and the disease had been detected in a deformed lamb.

Ms Glossop added: "It is likely that malformed lambs and calves will be born in Wales in the spring 2013 as a result of some Welsh sheep and cattle being infected with SBV around the time of mating this year."

ITV

[Gert van der Hoek]

machinetranslation

Apparently in a livestock shipment from Hungary to Belarus (White Russia) 4 out of 29 samples tested positive for the Schmallenberg virus.

Hungary says their testresults of the shipment were all negative.

Negociations are ongoing.

Hungarian beef was banned in Belarus

2013 January 8, Tuesday

The Belarusian the veterinary service banned ruminants from Hungary. Decision of the Belarusian authorities argued that the shipment is received in animals have found that the Schmallenberg virus carriers, according to agra-net.com .

The Schmallenberg virus does not affect humans, mainly infects sheep and cattle in , presumably by mosquitoes. The pathogenic effect of miscarriage and birth defects can occur in animals - said earlier Spiegel Elke Reinking, the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute (FLI) spokesman. Its name from the German town where it was first identified last year and appeared in Britain in January.

The VM does not know the official notification
The fact of limiting the Belarusian party to the competent Hungarian authority has no formal or informal form is not published, a notice is not received by the Rural Development Ministry.

December in the middle of the Belarusian authorities have informed the ministry that Hungary, Belarus and delivered 29 tenyészüsző (suspension cultures", ed) subsequent examination of four cases of serological tests positive, the animal virus that was previously encountered. The competent Belarusian authorities in the investigation of the case called for a ban on imports letter is not foreseen.

Hungarian animal health authorities of Belarus sent a response letter indicated that the animals are delivered to the Board before the individual blood tested by, each of which produced negative results. The case clarified the National Chief Veterinary Officer Andrew Kardeván to initiate further discussion with the Belarusian people vet - read the VM communication.

MTI

[Gert van der Hoek]

Germany: current Information on Schmallenberg virus

last updated January 8, 2013

As of 21 May case numbers and map will be updated weekly.

In Germany animals from 2057 holdings have been tested positive for Schmallenberg virus (SBV) so far.

The cases occurred in 1088 cattle holdings, 921 sheep holdings and 48 goat holdings.

Affected federal states are North Rhine-Westphalia (272 cattle, 273 sheep, 13 goat holdings), Lower Saxony (226 cattle, 143 sheep, 6 goat holdings), Hesse (124 cattle, 137 sheep holdings, 9 goat holdings), Schleswig-Holstein (111 cattle, 107 sheep holdings, 1 goat holding), Rhineland-Palatinate (1 Bison holding, 50 cattle, 43 sheep, 5 goat holdings), Baden-Wuerttemberg (43 cattle, 35 sheep, 6 goat holdings), Brandenburg (24 cattle, 21 sheep holdings), Thuringia (28 cattle, 42 sheep, 2 goat holdings), Saxony-Anhalt (19 cattle, 23 sheep, 2 goat holdings), Hamburg (2 cattle, 6 sheep holdings), Bavaria (163 cattle, 37 sheep holdings, 1 goat holding), Saxony (11 cattle holdings, 39 sheep holdings), Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (13 cattle, 11 sheep holdings, 1 goat holding), Saarland (1 cattle holding, 4 sheep, 2 goat holdings) and Berlin (1 sheep holding).

FLI

Link to map


On sept 11 FLI reported 1,801 positive holdings in Germany.

.

[Gert van der Hoek]

Surveillance terminated in UK.SBV confirmed in aprox 1,200 holdings

UK - Schmallenberg virus – updated testing results


jan 14, 2013

This table includes additional serology results provided by laboratories at Liverpool University and Scotland's Rural College.

Results from Scotland have not been listed by county as they all relate to animals introduced into Scotland from English counties where Schmallenberg Virus has been reported.

In 2012 AHVLA introduced two enhanced surveillance initiatives for Schmallenberg Virus in England and Wales:

 In January 2012 for foetal deformities
 In July 2012 for acute disease in cattle

Both surveillance initiatives were based on free testing of cases that met certain criteria in previously unaffected counties. As Schmallenberg Virus had been identified in most counties of England and Wales by the end of 2012, the enhanced surveillance had served the purpose for which it was introduced: to identify cases in previously unaffected areas as early as possible. The two initiatives therefore ceased on 14 December 2012.

Farmers should contact their veterinarians if they have concerns and vets should contact their local AHVLA Investigation Centre if they require advice.


10 January 2013

Schmallenberg Virus – updated testing results
(figures correct at date of publication)

SBV in cattle: number of holdings 811

SBV in sheep: number of holdings 377

MOre: AHVLA

[Gert van der Hoek]

ITALY: EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SITUATION

machinetranslation

Confirmed cases of SBV in ruminants in Italy (Source SIMAN, 08 January 2013)

On 16 February 2012 has been confirmed in Italy the first case of Schmallenberg virus in a holding in Veneto in Treviso: a goat fetus considered that had malformations, subcutaneous edema, scoliosis, artrogrifosi, ankylosis of some joints of the limbs.

The fetus tested positive for Real Time RT-PCR for virus Schmallenberg. Farm were also one male bovine and other five goats that had symptoms in place and who have given birth kids healthy. The diagnostic tests have ruled out the viremia in all the actual, but the calf, the kid sister of the fetus considered and 3 goats of the flock were positive tests for serum-neutralization (SN) and indirect immunofluorescence (IIF).

In another holding in the Province of Treviso a cow tested positive for serum-neutralization test. The animal was tested as the mother of a fetus died 24 hours after birth, sent to CESME for the detection of virus Schmallenberg and negative to the test of real-time RT-PCR. In the month of April 2012 , in a herd of dairy cattle in the Province of Treviso, a cow tested positive for the PCR test for the virus Schmallenberg. It was an abortion at the end where there were no malformations or pathological lesions evident.

During the months of November and December 2012 the presence of Schmallenberg virus has been confirmed in Sardinia on 26 holdings in the provinces of Cagliari, Ogliastra, Sassari, Nuoro Olbia and Tempio. Samples of the organs of sheep fetuses with malformations (artrogrifosi, brachignatia, torticollis and scoliosis), were sent to CESME for diagnosis and the test were positive in PCR for the detection of the Schmallenberg virus. In addition, in the same month two cases have been confirmed in Piedmont in the provinces of Turin and Cuneo ( Figure 1 ).

Italy joins the many European countries that have confirmed the presence of the virus in their territories.



Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale"

[Gert van der Hoek]

Two weblogs from sheepfarmers in Estonia have stories and pictures on malformed lambs. It seems SBV has reached Estonia,
skipping other counties? Seems highly improbable.

All countries between Estonia and Germany could have widespread SBV: Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and the Russian enclave / Kaliningrad.

The story mentions cases from other farms, from different regions in Estonia, so SBV seems to be all over Estonia.



machinetranslation





Schmallenberg virus in Estonia?

Posted 8th January 2013


Recent holidays in our family, so calm did not last as expected and it is mainly because of our daily work. One flock of sheep came malformed having troubled a number of notices was born lambs. The initial assumption mineral deficiency progresses, the change in time and adding new cases as suspicious. Good sheep owner also sent pictures and video of him on it as well, and was pretty sure the last poegimishooajal suspicion of central tendency for Schmallenberg virus in Europe.

Then it became clear that the virus and the antibodies against the virus is able to determine the Tartu Veterinary Laboratory. A case diligently joined the national health system, and last week a herd blood samples were taken at the beginning of this week's lab to a positive response to the presence of antibodies in the blood. Now the virus is still determining the presence of malformed fetus. This is because of the complex nature of the disease activity. Given the clinical picture occurring in a herd blood test results and may very likely be the cause of this ailment Schmallenberg virus.

Schmallenberg virus distributors are mosquitoes. The virus is not transmitted through normal contact between animals. Vector without the aid of a virus can be spread from mother to fetus through the placenta. The viruses are susceptible to sheep, goats and cattle. Wild animals are not available. People on the basis of current knowledge is not a dangerous virus. All of this information should be considered on the virus, the virus was isolated only in 2011. November. Thus, it is a very new disease and its information is collected only on the behavior of all known at the time this information with our need to be taken critically.

Schmallenberg virus usually causes mild symptoms in adult animals. Most suffer from dairy cows, representing approximately a week, up to a half smaller. In sheep, the disease is difficult to observe. In contrast, fetuses disease is very sensitive, especially during the first few months of pregnancy.

The result of abortions, malformed and not viable or dead lambs. Abnormalities are mostly erect in different positions of joints, spinal curvature, nervous system malfunction, malformed skull. In addition to the removal of lambs as well to deal with obstetric dead and deformed lambs are often unable to fit through the birth canal without help.

Now I know in six sheep farms, where such malformed lambs are born and those farms are located at the ends of the different Estonia. Lambafarmides calving is only just beginning and is expected to meet this progresses, more and more cases. The experience is more at risk with earlier calving herds, and the reason is that at the beginning of pregnancy was still active mosquito-vector operation. Those animals receiving anti tiinusevälisel time and subsequently mated, the offspring should not be any problems arise. Well, this coming spring winter gives us the doctrine.

What would you recommend for animal owners who flock to such emergencies. Tirelessly strength to help the animals at parturition, the offspring, in addition to not lose emaloomi. Next year they will once again brave poegijad. Contact your authorized vet - know the spread of the disease will help to give you a future and suggestions for other farmers. Planning for the coming mating Consider whether it would be possible to delay insect free time.

This is a brief overview of the current situation, as new information is received, then we will know.

Best Regards

Ants

Source: blog of a sheepfarmer http://www.maavillane.ee/?7 thanks to David Mardiste

The blog shows some pictures of malformed lambs.

Another blog with a similar story and similar pictures: http://lambadkitsed.blogspot.nl/

[Gert van der Hoek]

Finland: Schmallenberg virus found in deformed lambs

15.01.2013 10:34

Schmallenberg virus has been identified in Finland for the first time in lambs. Previously, only antibodies of the virus have been found in Finland. Discovery of the virus is not unexpected, as antibody studies indicated that the virus has become widespread in Finland during the summer and autumn 2012. The virus does not affect humans.

The virus was identified using the PCR method at the Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira in three deformed lambs, all from the same flock and born at full term at the end of December. The ewes had been infected at the end of August or early September in the early stages of pregnancy. The lambs had arthrogryposis of the limbs, either straight of flexed, and hydrocephalus, which are typical deformities caused by the Schmallenberg virus. Deformed lambs are not viable.

Since the Schmallenberg virus has spread into Finland in summer and autumn 2012, it is expected that deformed lambs are born between December and February and calves most likely in the period between March and May. The virus is spread by midges from one ruminant to another. When the temperatures drop, midges become inactive and the spread of the virus stops. The risk of deformities concerns lambs born between December and February, as midges were active at the start of the ewe’s pregnancy. Most lambs are usually born later, in March-May.

The virus causes symptoms as it spreads to new areas, where ruminants do not have protection created by the infection. If the virus is endemic, ruminants are usually infected at such an early age that they are protected before the first pregnancy.

It is not known at present whether or not the virus is capable of overwintering in Finland. It is likely that midges carrying the virus will continue to arrive in Finland carried by southerly and south-westerly winds.

Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira

[Gert van der Hoek]

Malformed and stillborn lambs reported in Sweden

machinetranslation

Deformed and stillborn lambs. Many sheep breeders have been affected by the aggressive Schmallenbergvirus.

PUBLISHED JANUARY 16, 2013

The virus is spread by midges - and pregnant ewes that were infected by the virus in late summer last year give birth now deformed and stillborn lambs.

The virus found in Södermanland and Gotland - and a suspected case has been reported from Östergötland.


SVT

Link leads to video/pictures

[Gert van der Hoek]

For previous reports and updates please see:

Schmallenberg virus : new Akabane-like virus in cattle, sheep and goats in Europe - 2011/2012

[Gert van der Hoek]

machinetranslation

jan 16 2013

Estonia: Schmallenberg virus detected in sheep in Võrumaa and Hiiumaa

Võrumaa and Hiiumaa sheep fetuses recently detected Schmallenberg virus started spreading in Europe, confirmed the Veterinary and Food Board.

"So if Hiiumaa Võrumaa some farms have been laboratory studies of aborted fetuses and Schmallenberg virus has been detected," said the Food and Veterinary Office Animal Health, Animal Feed Division and Head of Mary Kristian.

Kristian says is a virus disease that does not present a very high risk, and is not particularly dangerous diseases.

«Quarantine or restrictions or limitations are (not? ,ed) imposed," said Kristian. "This is such a new virus disease in Europe a few years ago went off to no treatment and no variations in vaccine development have not reached the end."

Kristian said that has not been previously identified in Schmallenberg virus. These cases were found, as informed by the keeper increased the number of abortions in the herd.

"It is primarily a disease of sheep and goats, which can occur in cattle," explained Kristian. «Abortions occur in females and fetuses are aborted deformities."

Postimees


Location of Estonia - Võrumaa is a region in the South East and Hiiumaa Island is in the North West

[Gert van der Hoek]

Germany: current Information on Schmallenberg virus

last updated January 15, 2013

As of 21 May case numbers and map will be updated weekly.

In Germany animals from 2069 holdings have been tested positive for Schmallenberg virus (SBV) so far.

The cases occurred in 1096 cattle holdings, 925 sheep holdings and 48 goat holdings.

Affected federal states are North Rhine-Westphalia (270 cattle, 271 sheep, 13 goat holdings), Lower Saxony (226 cattle, 143 sheep, 6 goat holdings), Hesse (124 cattle, 137 sheep holdings, 9 goat holdings), Schleswig-Holstein (112 cattle, 109 sheep holdings, 1 goat holding), Rhineland-Palatinate (1 Bison holding, 50 cattle, 43 sheep, 5 goat holdings), Baden-Wuerttemberg (44 cattle, 35 sheep, 6 goat holdings), Brandenburg (24 cattle, 21 sheep holdings), Thuringia (28 cattle, 44 sheep, 2 goat holdings), Saxony-Anhalt (19 cattle, 23 sheep, 2 goat holdings), Hamburg (2 cattle, 6 sheep holdings), Bavaria (170 cattle, 39 sheep holdings, 1 goat holding), Saxony (11 cattle holdings, 39 sheep holdings), Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (14 cattle, 11 sheep holdings, 1 goat holding), Saarland (1 cattle holding, 4 sheep holdings, 2 goat holdings) and Berlin (1 sheep holding).

FLI

Link to map

[Gert van der Hoek]

Update Schmallenberg virus in France

jan 16, 2013

From september 1 2012 tot januari 16 2013 369 holdings were suspected to have animals infected with SBV.

299 holdings were confirmed: 111 sheep, 10 goat and 178 cattle holdings.

Nombre et localisation des foyers

Depuis le 1er septembre 2012, ce sont au total 369 suspicions qui ont été enregistrées (131 élevages ovins, 16 élevages caprins, et 222 élevages bovins).

299 élevages ont été confirmés atteints par des formes congénitales de SBV, répartis dans 49
départements : 02, 03, 04, 05, 08, 10, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 2A, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31, 33, 34, 35,
37, 38, 42, 44, 45, 52, 54, 56, 58, 62, 64, 65, 67, 68, 69, 70, 73, 74, 76, 77, 81, 84, 85, 86 et 89.

Sont concernés : 111 élevages ovins, 10 élevages caprins et 178 élevages bovins.

Survepi

Link to document and map

[Gert van der Hoek]

machinetranslation


Schmallenberg virus also is prevalent in Slovenia

Posted: 18/01/2013

According to available data, the experts concluded that transmission of the virus from sheep to humans can not be excluded, but it is highly unlikely.

LJUBLJANA - In Slovenia, in sheep confirmed the presence of Schmallenberg virus, reported the Veterinary Chamber. Schmallenberg Virus was first discovered in 2011 in Germany and since then the disease has spread rapidly in the northern and western Europe.

Abortion and defective animals

Schmallenberg virus causes the acute form of severe diarrhea, chills and drop in milk yield in cattle (50 percent). If you are infected pregnant female ruminants virus izvrgavanje pregnancies, mainly sheep and cows. Reported that in infected herds abortira to 25 percent of pregnant females. In addition to abortion are born in a significant number of defective animals that are unfit for life and fattening, the message noted in the staff room. Infected herds may suffer significant economic harm.

Human transmission is not excluded, but is unlikely

According to available information, the experts concluded that transmission of the virus to humans can not be excluded, but it is highly unlikely.

Scmallenberg virus is a new virus belonging to the family Orthobunyaviridae and is related to Akabane virus. Akabane virus is spread mainly in ruminants in Japan, Australia and Africa. Like the related viruses are also transmitted by the insects. Given the prevalence of insects and almost impossible to combat remains the only option preventive vaccination. In some EU Member States have already introduced a systematic control of the disease, in explaining the Veterinary Association.

Slovenske Novice

[Gert van der Hoek]

Reading the abstract, the report suggests import of SBV from France into Poland. Infected bulls could have spread the virus and local midges could have picked up the virus for further spread?


First report of Schmallenberg Virus Infection in Cattle and Midges in Poland

M. Larska1,*, M. P. Polak1, M. Grochowska2, L. Lechowski2, J. S. Związek3, J. F. Żmudziński1

Article first published online: 18 JAN 2013

DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12057

Summary

Two outbreaks of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) infection that coincided with the introduction of two bulls imported from France into two herds located in West Pomerania and Silesia provinces in Poland are described in detail. The first SBV real-time RT-PCR-positive result was obtained during routine testing of one of the imported bulls. The second bull and the affected farms were tracked by further investigation.

Transmission of SBV into Polish cattle herds where the bulls were imported was confirmed by viral RNA detection in real-time RT-PCR, virus isolation followed by immunoperoxidase (IPX) staining and seroconversion.

SBV RNA was detected also in Culicoides obsoletus pools caught in a trap located 5 km from one of the outbreaks. Testing nearly 900 samples collected prior to the two outbreaks from the same areas or provinces neighbouring with Germany where SBV cases had previously been detected gave negative results for the presence of SBV or specific antibodies.

These cases are the first ones detected in cattle in Poland and provide evidence of recent transmission of the pathogen into the country and involvement of midge vectors.


-----------------------------------------------------

Transbound Emerg Dis. 2013 Feb;60(1):1-3. doi: 10.1111/tbed.12039. Epub 2012 Nov 26.

Schmallenberg virus antibodies detected in poland.
Kaba J, Czopowicz M, Witkowski L.
Source
Unit of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.

Abstract

Between 24 and 30 July 2012 230 adult goats from three western provinces of Poland bordering on Germany (Western Pomerania, Lubuskie and Lower Silesia) were blood-sampled and tested for antibodies to Schmallenberg virus (SBV) using indirect immunoenzymatic test (ID Screen® Schmallenberg virus indirect, IDvet Innovative Diagnostics).

The ELISA test identified 21 seropositive goats - 15 in Western Pomerania (16% of all goats tested in this province), five in Lubuskie (6%) and one in Lower Silesia (2%). Our study demonstrates for the first time the presence of antibodies to SBV in Poland.

Pubmed

[Gert van der Hoek]

Germany: current information on Schmallenberg virus

last updated January 29, 2013

As of 21 May case numbers and map will be updated weekly.

In Germany animals from 2110 holdings have been tested positive for Schmallenberg virus (SBV) so far.

The cases occurred in 1124 cattle holdings, 937 sheep holdings and 49 goat holdings.

Affected federal states are North Rhine-Westphalia (274 cattle, 272 sheep, 13 goat holdings), Lower Saxony (227 cattle, 143 sheep, 6 goat holdings), Hesse (124 cattle, 140 sheep holdings, 9 goat holdings), Schleswig-Holstein (112 cattle, 110 sheep holdings, 1 goat holding), Rhineland-Palatinate (1 Bison holding, 50 cattle, 39 sheep, 5 goat holdings), Baden-Wuerttemberg (47 cattle, 37 sheep, 7 goat holdings), Brandenburg (24 cattle, 21 sheep holdings), Thuringia (30 cattle, 47 sheep, 2 goat holdings), Saxony-Anhalt (19 cattle, 23 sheep, 2 goat holdings), Hamburg (3 cattle, 6 sheep holdings), Bavaria (187 cattle, 41 sheep holdings, 1 goat holding), Saxony (11 cattle holdings, 42 sheep holdings), Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (14 cattle, 11 sheep holdings, 1 goat holding), Saarland (1 cattle holding, 4 sheep holdings, 2 goat holdings) and Berlin (1 sheep holding).

FLI

Link to map
Map: Distribution of 'Schmallenberg virus' since January 1, 2013, in Germany, updated January 29, 2013

[Gert van der Hoek]

“Grim return” of Schmallenberg virus in U.K.

Geni Wren, Bovine Veterinarian Magazine | Updated: 01/28/2013


Schmallenberg virus has been associated with brief mild/moderate disease (milk drop, pyrexia, diarrhea) in adult cattle and deformities and neurological defects in unborn lambs and calves, has made a “grim return” in 2013, according to researchers at The University of Nottingham Veterinary School.

The university says data indicates that this year losses could be as high as 30% on some severely affected sheep operations. Identified in the U.K. in 2011, by the end of 2012 Schmallenberg has been found in most counties in England and Wales, and is widely distributed in northern and western Europe.
University of Nottingham veterinary surgeon Rachael Tarlinton says it will generally cause mild or no disease in adult animals but if the animal is pregnant the virus replicates in the nerve cells of the fetus and, depending at what stage they have reached in the pregnancy, this leads to abortion, abnormalities of the skeleton and neurological defects.

Almost a year ago a Bovine Veterinarian article said that Defra, the U.K. government department responsible for policy and regulations on the environment, food and rural affairs, indicated that evidence suggests that Schmallenberg virus was brought into the U.K. from infected biting midges blown across the Channel. The disease has not been shown to be transmissible to humans and has not been identified in the U.S.

Risk to cattle
Though the effects of Schmallenberg have mainly been seen in sheep and goats, cattle are susceptible to the virus.

A January report by DEFRA indicates that 752 cattle have tested positive for Schmallenberg virus, and 59 calves have presented with fetal malformations.
A report in ProMed, a program of the International Society for Infectious Diseases, says based on trail data using bull semen containing Schmallenberg virus (SBV) inoculated into calves, it has to be concluded that samples with a medium as well as with a low viral genome load (Cq values over 30) can be potentially infectious for bovines. The report said that these results confirm the requirement for a sensitive viral RNA-extraction as well as SBV-genome detection system for testing of semen from SBV-infected bulls.

Risk to U.S.
In an early 2012 statement, USDA Chief Veterinary Officer John Clifford, DVM, said: “USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is taking action to mitigate the entry of Schmallenberg virus, a pathogen that has been reported from a number of European Union countries since late 2011 but is not known to exist in the United States.”

Also in 2012 the USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Services Veterinary Services placed additional restrictions on shipments of ruminant semen and embryos (germplasm) originating from the European Union (EU), and from countries that are not formally part of the EU but which follow EU legislation. These restrictions became effective February 21, 2012. Read more here.

Bovinevetonline

[Gert van der Hoek]

Ireland: rise in number of Schmallenberg virus reports in Co Wexford

05-01-2013

There has been a significant increase in the number of suspected cases of Schmallenberg virus reported in Co Wexford in the last week. The frequency of reports has intensified and coincides with the start of lambing in early lambing flocks. Flockowners, vets and scanners report individual or multiple cases, within a flock, of ewes giving birth to lambs with congenital deformities. There are also reports of suspected cases of the virus in newborn calves.

While there has been a significant increase in suspected cases reported among flockowners, the Department's of Agriculture's Regional Veterinary Laboratories have not witnessed a sharp rise in lambs or calves presented for post mortem examination. Over the past two weeks four separate submissions of aborted/stillborn ovine foetuses were received at Kilkenny Regional Veterinary Laboratory (from four different flocks in the South East) in which Schmallenberg virus infection is suspected because of congenital abnormality in the foetuses.

Schmallenberg virus infection has been confirmed in only one of these submissions; confirmatory test results are awaited on the other three cases.

Based on this information, it is too early to say how widespread a problem this is likely to be in early lambing flocks in 2013 but it is reasonable to make flock owners aware of the potential problem of dystocia.

DAFM is finalising a structured nationwide survey of cattle herds and sheep flocks to try and establish with a reasonable degree of confidence the extent of virus infection in the national herd/flock at the end of the 2012 vector season. The results of this survey should be available for communication to the farming community and veterinary practitioners within the next two weeks.

The first case of the virus was confirmed in a bovine foetus submitted for post mortem examination from a farm in Co Cork on Tuesday, 30 October. It was feared at the time that the virus could be widespread but there is still no real way of gauging the actual potential severity of the risk (confirmed in 11 herds in late November).

Confirmed cases to date remain small, but, with many mid-season lambing flocks or spring calving herds still a considerable distance from lambing and calving, the virus could be contained in other herds and flocks in the area or further afield. The hope against this happening is the mechanisms by which the virus spreads.

Potential risk

The virus is spread from animal to animal by biting midges. Cattle, sheep and goats are all susceptible to the disease. The high risk period for spreading the disease is during the vector season (midges active) which is normally April to November in Ireland. The most susceptible time for infected animals to pass the virus through to a foetus is during month three and four in cattle and during month two in sheep. However, the risk will be influenced by midge activity in the area which is also largely influenced by climatic conditions.

For example, mid-season lambing ewes farmed in milder areas such as the south east, east and south may be more at risk than those farmed along the western coast where temperatures may have been cooler.

It can also be influenced by the landscape where animals are grazing with increased midge activity generally seen in sheltered areas. Taking these factors into account and the milder weather in the latter half of the year, it remains hard to predict exactly how widespread the risk could be.

The virus also cannot be spread in the absence of biting midges and it is therefore likely that there will only be a percentage of the total animals infected in a flock or herd.

The disease has been rampant in countries across mainland Europe since 2011 and reports suggest that the prevalence within a flock or herd is averaging between 15% and 20% but this can fluctuate, depending on midge activity and the level of infection in an area.

More: Farmers Journal

[Gert van der Hoek]

Jan 17 2013

Evidence that exposure to Schmallenberg virus has been quite widespread in Southern and South-eastern counties of Ireland during 2012

Schmallenberg virus (SBV) was first identified in Germany in late 2011. The virus, which is
transmitted by biting midges is capable of causing disease in infected cattle and sheep, primarily
leading to the birth of malformed calves and lambs. Since its discovery, evidence of infection of
livestock with this virus has been found across Northern Europe with first reports of the virus
reaching South East England in January 2012. Given the likelihood that this vector-borne virus would
eventually reach our shores, DAFM began targeted surveillance in January 2012 and all deformed
calves and lambs presented for examination to Department Regional Veterinary Laboratories (RVLs)
since then have been tested for the presence of the virus. The first positive case was detected in a
cattle herd in County Cork in late October 2012. To date the infection has been confirmed in
foetuses obtained from a further 20 cattle herds and 12 sheep flocks (33 herds/flocks in total). All of
these confirmed cases have been confined to Co. Cork (16 cases) and South Eastern counties (8 in
Wexford, 7 in Kilkenny, 1 in Wicklow and 1 in Waterford) as illustrated in the map in Annex 1 below.

More, incl. maps: DAFM - Ireland

[Gert van der Hoek]

jan 30 2013

The number of farms infected with the Schmallenberg virus has doubled in the past fortnight to 54.

The escalation in outbreaks is mainly happening in dairy and beef herds as the calving season gets underway.

Cork-based vet Bill Cashman said he had confirmed eight outbreaks in dairy herds.

An Animal Health Ireland (AHI) meeting due to be held at Clonakilty Agricultural College last week was relocated to the Shinagh trial farm when a series of abortions in the college's dairy herd triggered suspicions of a Schmallenberg outbreak.

Kildalton College in Kilkenny also lost more than 12pc of their early lambs to the disease, according to farm manager, John Walsh.

IFA National Sheep Committee chairman James Murphy has also had firsthand experience of the virus, with approximately 5pc of his flock showing signs of infection.

"The losses were a little higher than normal, but if that's the extent of the impact of the disease then I can live with that," he said.

Mr Murphy said the worst affected farmers believed they would lose half of their lamb crop.

"Farms in sheltered areas along rivers are much more prone to the disease," he said.

While British authorities have claimed that just 6pc of flocks suffered outbreaks, Mr Cashman said that this number only accounted for flocks with more than 25pc of ewes exhibiting signs of the disease.

"There is also evidence that the eggs laid by infected midges will also carry the disease, so the next generation of midges will also pose a threat," added Mr Cashman.

IMMUNITY

Mr Murphy added he was tempted to hold on to younger ewes in the hope that they would have immunity next year.

However, there is a lot of uncertainty among farmers as to the best approach, with some reports of British flocks being re-infected by the disease for a second time this year.

"We really need guidance from the Department (of Agriculture) on this issue now," said Mr Murphy.

Cork is the worst affected county with 21 cases so far, 80pc of which were in cattle herds.

Kilkenny and Wexford have 11 and 10 cases respectively. Together, these three counties account for over three quarters of all Schmallenberg outbreaks.

Carlow, Dublin, Tipperary, Waterford and Wicklow have also confirmed outbreaks.

- Darragh McCullough

Independent IE

[Gert van der Hoek]

machinetranslation

jan 9 2013

Czech Republic: malformed lambs infected with Schmallenberg virus

The result of passive monitoring in 2012 in the Czech Republic, 9 suspected infection Schmallenberg virus.

In cattle were raised on the basis of three suspected decrease performance and febrile illness. All three suspects have been infected by a virus Schmallenberg excluded.

Sheep said it suspects a total of 6 on the basis of a few viable or stillborn born lambs, which have been observed in a variety of malformations. The four suspects were infected Schmallenberg virus confirmed.

All 4 positive cases were confirmed in the second half of December 2012 (one in the Karlovy Vary region, one in the Shire Highlands and two in South Bohemia).

Clinically demonstrated a disease caused by a virus Schmallenberg culminates in the period from August to September (cattle). At present in the affected states disappeared virus in cattle, but there was an increased incidence of malformations in lambs. This situation is probably related to intrauterine exposure in previous months.

State Veterinary Administration decided in 2013 printed on the active monitoring of all bulls at semen collection centers throughout the Czech Republic. Regional Veterinary Administration ensure sampling (anticoagulated blood or serum) from all bulls who are its location in the collection centers. The blood sample then sent for examination to the State Veterinary Institute in Prague, Jihlava and Olomouc. Laboratory method for the serological examination . In the case of serologically positive outcome seam confirmatory virological examination .

Regional Veterinary Administration ensure continuous testing of all breeding bulls will be semen to its location in the whole of 2013.

More: SVSCR (National Veterinary Institute)

Link to map

.

[Gert van der Hoek]

Fertility problems caused by Schmallenberg infection are a wellknown phenomenon. Until now this did not get as much attention as the malformed offspring of cattle, sheep and goats. International serological evidence indicates the majority of adult animals in affected regions is positive for SBV.

Adult animals hit hard by Schmallenberg infection

Olivia Cooper

Thursday 31 January 2013

Schmallenberg virus could be affecting adult animals far worse than previously thought, farmers and farm vets have warned.

The virus had been thought to cause only brief, mild or moderate symptoms in adult cattle, with much worse life-threatening effects in unborn cattle, sheep and goats.

But Tim Bebbington, from Castle Vets in Launceston, said the impact of the disease was not restricted to abortions and deformed foetuses.

"Every now and again several cows seem to go down quickly, with decreased milk production, scouring, low productivity and poor fertility. There's no evidence of anything else wrong except Schmallenberg."

He urged caution, however, as it was possible that other problems were being incorrectly attributed to Schmallenberg virus.

His practice had recently tested 360 animals from 60 beef and dairy farms across Devon and Cornwall - and only 15 tested negative for the disease.


Mr Bebbington has also received many reports of Schmallenberg in early lambing flocks, but the true picture could be far worse as the disease was still non-notifiable, he added.

Symptoms were also varied, including ewes carrying vast amounts of fluid with dead lambs. "It's looking much worse than last year, but many farmers aren't reporting it because there's nothing they can do about it - it's not a notifiable disease."

The number of beef and dairy cows scanning barren had doubled since last year, to 18%, said Mr Bebbington, who admitted feeling "very nervous about the spring calving herds".

A vaccine to protect animals against Schmallenberg virus could not come soon enough, he added.

David Horton milks 180 dairy cows at Dunsburgh Farm near Plymouth, and last year lost 15 heifers through unexplained illness.

"They just got weaker and weaker. There wasn't a test for Schmallenberg then, but the heifers that survived tested positive this year and haven't done at all well. Their calves appear brain dead and so far six have died.

"Nigel Gibbens, the chief veterinary officer, is still talking about this as a low impact disease but I disagree - it's a catastrophe waiting to happen."

At a meeting in Devon last week, DEFRA secretary Owen Paterson admitted he hadn't heard about the effects on adult cattle.

But Peter Clarke, co-ordinator for the Farm Crisis Network in Cornwall, said some farmers' milk yields had dropped by 50%, while other beef farmers had lost more than half their calves.

"This is having a devastating effect on sheep, beef and dairy farms. We have a perfect storm in the South West, with poor weather, poor crops, TB and now Schmallenberg. I don't know how much more farmers can take - it's very worrying."

Farmers Weekly

[Gert van der Hoek]

UK: Lamb losses ‘can be cut’


Tuesday, January 29, 2013


MANY sheep producers could cut neonatal lamb losses significantly with well-organised lambing routines and better colostrum management, according to a husbandry specialist.

Nia Williams, technical manager with lamb nutrition and sheep husbandry specialist Nettex says with falling lamb prices and potential Schmallenberg virus implications piling even more pressure on beleaguered flockmasters, attention to detail in these crucial areas will be more important than ever this lambing season.

Newborn lambs have limited energy reserves and need rapid access to quality colostrum to survive and thrive, she explained.

“Producers face a battle over the next few weeks and can ill afford to lose any healthy born lambs to the usual causes of lamb deaths in the UK,” she said.

According to research, nearly half of all lamb losses occur during the first 48 hours of life, but many of these could be avoided Nettex maintains.

Read more: EADT24

[Gert van der Hoek]

Germany: current information on Schmallenberg virus

last updated February 5, 2013

As of 21 May case numbers and map will be updated weekly.

In Germany animals from 2129 holdings have been tested positive for Schmallenberg virus (SBV) so far.

The cases occurred in 1135 cattle holdings, 945 sheep holdings and 49 goat holdings.

Affected federal states are North Rhine-Westphalia (275 cattle, 272 sheep, 13 goat holdings), Lower Saxony (227 cattle, 144 sheep, 6 goat holdings), Hesse (124 cattle, 140 sheep holdings, 9 goat holdings), Schleswig-Holstein (112 cattle, 110 sheep holdings, 1 goat holding), Rhineland-Palatinate (1 Bison holding, 50 cattle, 39 sheep, 5 goat holdings), Baden-Wuerttemberg (47 cattle, 37 sheep, 7 goat holdings), Brandenburg (24 cattle, 22 sheep holdings), Thuringia (30 cattle, 51 sheep, 2 goat holdings), Saxony-Anhalt (19 cattle, 23 sheep, 2 goat holdings), Hamburg (3 cattle, 6 sheep holdings), Bavaria (197 cattle, 41 sheep holdings, 1 goat holding), Saxony (11 cattle holdings, 43 sheep holdings), Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (14 cattle, 12 sheep holdings, 1 goat holding), Saarland (1 cattle holding, 4 sheep holdings, 2 goat holdings) and Berlin (1 sheep holding).

FLI

Map: Distribution of Schmallenberg virus since January 1, 2013, in Germany, updated February 5, 2013

[Gert van der Hoek]

feb 8 2013

Schmallenberg virus cases increase in Welsh lambs

A virus that leads to birth defects in lambs is being increasingly detected in Wales, say farmers and vets.

The Schmallenberg virus is carried by insects and was first detected in Germany 18 months ago.

But some farmers in lowland areas of south Wales say it is now clear the disease has reached Wales.

UK government officials believe there are now more than 1,200 cases of the infection in Wales and England, but they say it poses no human threat.

However, it is a growing concern for Welsh sheep farmers who are becoming increasingly worried about the disease's impact on flocks.


Colin Evans, who farms at Pant y Goitre farm in the Usk Valley in Monmouthshire, said between 20 and 25 lambs born to his 800 ewes appeared to have been affected by Schmallenberg - up to 5% of the flock.

"There are very few [farmers] that I speak to who haven't had a case, so we understand it now and are quite concerned by it because unless we find a control for this through a vaccine, we are concerned that our 3% to 5% loss might become 20% by next year," Mr Evans said.

BBC News

[Gert van der Hoek]

machinetranslation

feb 9 2013

Schmallenberg virus in Swedish calves

MALMO Two calves, one in Skåne and Uppland, are carriers of schmallenbergvirus. It is the first time the virus was found in calves in Sweden, reports the agricultural magazine ATL online.

Schmallenbergvirus (SBV) is spread by midges and has for the past year been widely adopted across the country. It infects cloven-hoofed animals, including sheep and goats, and can induce females to throw their fetuses or birth defects in their offspring.

Kuriren

[Gert van der Hoek]

Germany: current Information on Schmallenberg virus

last updated February 12, 2013

As of 21 May case numbers and map will be updated weekly.

In Germany animals from 2146 holdings have been tested positive for Schmallenberg virus (SBV) so far.

The cases occurred in 1147 cattle holdings, 950 sheep holdings and 49 goat holdings.

Affected federal states are North Rhine-Westphalia (275 cattle, 272 sheep, 13 goat holdings), Lower Saxony (229 cattle, 144 sheep, 6 goat holdings), Hesse (124 cattle, 141 sheep holdings, 9 goat holdings), Schleswig-Holstein (112 cattle, 110 sheep holdings, 1 goat holding), Rhineland-Palatinate (1 Bison holding, 50 cattle, 39 sheep, 5 goat holdings), Baden-Wuerttemberg (50 cattle, 37 sheep, 7 goat holdings), Brandenburg (24 cattle, 22 sheep holdings), Thuringia (31 cattle, 52 sheep, 2 goat holdings), Saxony-Anhalt (19 cattle, 23 sheep, 2 goat holdings), Hamburg (3 cattle, 6 sheep holdings), Bavaria (202 cattle, 42 sheep holdings, 1 goat holding), Saxony (11 cattle holdings, 44 sheep holdings), Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (15 cattle, 13 sheep holdings, 1 goat holding), Saarland (1 cattle holding, 4 sheep holdings, 2 goat holdings) and Berlin (1 sheep holding).
So far infections with Schmallenberg Virus have been detected in Germany,the Netherlands, Belgium, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Denmark , Estonia, Switzerland, Ireland, Northern Ireland , Norway, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Austria and Switzerland. According to unconfirmed reports there could be infection in further european countries.

FLI

Map: Distribution of 'Schmallenberg virus' since January 1, 2013, in Germany, updated February 12, 2013

[Gert van der Hoek]

Comment: no details available at the moment. However it seems to me cattle with antibodies could have protection against a possible SBV infection?

430 cows infected with Schmallenberg virus culled in Northern Kazakhstan

BULLETIN RELEASED: 18/02/13 8:54AM GMT

INTERFAX-KAZAKHSTAN – Schmallenberg virus, a new emerging livestock disease, has been detected in imported livestock from Austria in the North-Kazakhstan region, said the Ministry of …

Veterinary services continue culling efforts in Akkain district (North Kazakhstan region) to stop the Schmallenberg virus. “Yesterday, the national animal decease contro…

INTERFAX

The report is behind a paywall. More to follow later.