Schmallenberg Virus (SBV), part of the Simbu serogroup of orthobunyaviruses, is an emerging threat to ruminant species across the UK\u2014especially in sheep and dairy cattle during key stages of the gestation period. The virus, transmitted via biting midges, causes intrauterine infection, leading to fetal malformation, congenital deformities, and foetal abnormalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With no vaccine currently available, increasing case numbers, and limited visible symptoms in live animals, farmers need to be proactive in managing the risk\u2014particularly during early lambing and calving seasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Schmallenberg disease affects cattle, sheep, and goats, and is caused by the Schmallenberg Virus (SBV), which spreads through midge populations, particularly during warm, late summer and early autumn months. Once an infected midge bites a susceptible pregnant animal, the virus crosses the placenta and targets the developing foetus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This results in an increase in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Confirmed cases have been reported across:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), between December 2023 and January 2024 alone, 63 confirmed SBV cases were reported\u2014many linked to congenital deformities in lambs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In most adult animals, SBV presents with mild symptoms or none at all. In adult cattle, look for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, in sheep and goats, the virus often goes undetected until birth, where affected lambs may present:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These visible symptoms are usually a result of intrauterine infection during early to mid gestation period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SBV does not spread directly between animals\u2014it requires midges to transmit the disease. However, infected animals can trigger localised outbreaks if midge numbers are high and biosecurity practices are poor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is no public health risk, and meat and milk from infected animals remain safe for consumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Animals that survive infection typically develop herd immunity, which reduces their risk of future illness. However, new youngstock born after the last major outbreak (2016\u20132017) may not have prior exposure, leaving large segments of the ruminant species population unprotected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Understanding whether a flock or herd has been exposed previously can be determined through serology testing\u2014essential for managing future breeding strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While there’s currently no Schmallenberg vaccine available in the UK, the following prevention strategies can greatly reduce the risk:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Avoid breeding during peak midge activity, typically late summer into autumn. Later mating reduces the chance of infection during the most vulnerable periods of foetal development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use insecticides responsibly to reduce midge contact (ensure compliance with withdrawal periods). Keep housing dry and clean to reduce breeding grounds. Time animal turnout to avoid dawn and dusk when midge numbers spike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use blood tests to check for SBV exposure and current herd immunity levels. This is especially important before planning breeding or investing in stock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The APHA offers free Schmallenberg testing for malformed lambs and calves. Work with your local Veterinary Investigation Centre for submissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Quarantine new or returning animals. Maintain strict hygiene protocols and disinfection procedures. Minimise on-farm movement of animals during high-risk periods<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The economic and welfare impacts of Schmallenberg can be severe:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tracking births, veterinary visits, and health incidents has never been easier. With the Herdwatch App, you can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Used by over 22,000 UK and Irish farmers, Herdwatch is the trusted digital solution to stay ahead of disease risk and keep your farm data in one place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stay alert for signs of Schmallenberg disease, use serology testing where appropriate, and ensure thorough record-keeping with tools like Herdwatch. Until a vaccine is reintroduced, these steps remain the frontline defence for UK livestock farms.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Schmallenberg Virus (SBV), part of the Simbu serogroup of orthobunyaviruses, is an emerging threat to ruminant species across the UK\u2014especially in sheep and dairy cattle during key stages of the gestation period. The virus, transmitted via biting midges, causes intrauterine infection, leading to fetal malformation, congenital deformities, and foetal abnormalities. With no vaccine currently available, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","_editorskit_title_hidden":false,"_editorskit_reading_time":0,"_editorskit_is_block_options_detached":false,"_editorskit_block_options_position":"{}","footnotes":""},"categories":[349],"tags":[131],"location":[],"class_list":["post-19721","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-animal-health","tag-farming-blog"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n