New Ruminant Virus causing Milk Drop, Diarrhoea and Deformities heads our way.

greysides

One to keep on eye on. Like Bluetongue the UK may act as a buffer zone for us. There may be implications for imports from the named countries, especially once the fly season begins in Spring. More questions than answers at this stage but one to take note of.

http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/animalhealthwelfare/diseasecontrol/schmallenbergvirus

Statement on the Schmallenberg Virus Situation Issued by the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH) - 11 January 2012

The information presented by Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium at the meeting of 11 January 2012 shows that a newly detected virus has circulated in the second semester 2011 amongst livestock ruminants causing non-specific clinical signs in cattle and congenital malformations, mainly in sheep and more seldom in cattle and goats.


The Member States and the Commission acknowledge the efforts made by these three Member States to provide the best possible scientific information on the risks posed by this virus, in full transparency.
The virus in question belongs to the Bunyaviridae family, genus Orthobunyavirus and has been tentatively named "Schmallenberg virus".



This virus belongs to a vector-transmitted group of viruses making direct transmission from animal to animal unlikely. However, vertical transmission from dam to newborn via the intrauterine route does occur as with other similar viruses. This group of viruses very often are associated with mild clinical signs of disease or with subclinical infection in ruminants.


So far, cases of disease have been detected in 20 farms in Germany (in cattle and sheep), in 52 farms in the Netherlands (in sheep, and one case in goat), and in 14 farms in Belgium (in sheep, only). No clear geographical clusters of these cases has been shown, so far. This may suggest that the undetected subclinical cases of infection in ruminants may be many more, but the current lack of serological tests renders investigations difficult. Although the congenital malformation in newborn animals have been detected recently and are still being detected in these days, they are most likely caused by transmission of virus by insect vectors that occurred in summer and early autumn, during pregnancy.


There is no evidence that the Schmallenberg virus could cause illness in humans. The Member States and the Commission took note of the preliminary assessment carried out by the European Centre for Disease prevention and Control (ECDC) on the zoonotic risks of the Schmallenberg virus which indicates that "it is unlikely that this virus can cause disease in humans, but it cannot be completely excluded at this stage[1]".


The Member States and the Commission recognise that the information on the Schmallenberg virus is still fragmented and mostly extrapolated from data available on genetically similar viruses in the Orthobunyaviridae genus (Simbu serogroup, like the Akabane virus). The situation needs to be reassessed once new data will be available. Awareness should be improved amongst veterinary services and stakeholders in order to better understand and address the possible risks associated with this virus.


Given this virus is likely transmitted by means of insect vectors, further virus circulation in the current winter is unlikely to occur. This will allow Member States time to gather further data and to plan further actions in view of a possible reoccurrence of disease in spring and summer.
The Member States and the Commission consider that it is therefore necessary to continue field investigations and surveys on this virus that would generate data on which the possible disease control measures should be based. They therefore agree to develop a guidance document on surveillance as a matter of urgency.


The Member States also invited the Commission to identify possible ways to provide financial support to the above investigations.
[1] http://ecdc.europa.eu/en/publication...berg_virus.pdf

greysides

From the UK National Farmers Union email.

You may have seen or heard today that Schmallenberg virus has been confirmed in the UK. There has been 4 cases of the Schmallenberg virus detected in Eastern England (Norfolk, Suffolk and East Sussex) in aborted lambs. The cases being detected now are likely to be a result of infection in summer/autumn last year and the disease is likely to be transmitted by insects such as midges that were blown across the Channel. The UK is presently outside the midge season, reducing likelihood of disease transmission.



Clinical signs of disease are:



· Adult cattle: Fever with reduction in milk yield (of up to 50% lasting up to a week in individual animals), with in some cases diarrhoea that may be severe. These signs may spread through the herd affecting between 20-70% of animal over a 3-4 week period, and may lead to a drop in herd milk production of about 10%.

· Congenital defects: These have been seen in close to term and newborn lambs, calves and goat kids. They include joint and limb contractures and twisting, twisted neck, and animals are usually born dead or die soon after birth. Other signs that may not be obvious externally such as hydranencephaly (parts of the brain may be replaced by fluid- filled sacs), could lead to signs of incoordination, paralysis and other nervous signs, recumbency and dullness.



The disease is not notifiable and so we encourage anybody with suspect animals to contact their vet and the their local ANVLA office.

greysides

http://www.defra.gov.uk/ahvla/2012/01/12/schmallenberg-virus/


Schmallenberg Virus: Updated 23 January 2012

On January 23 AHVLA reported the presence of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) on four sheep farms in Norfolk, Suffolk and East Sussex. Last week we obtained samples from animals with clinical signs consistent with SBV infection via our Regional Laboratory network. The samples were analysed at the Virology Laboratory, AHVLA Weybridge based on information provided by the Netherlands and the Friedrich Loeffler Institute.






More information is available at the link above.

6480

greysides wrote: »

http://www.defra.gov.uk/ahvla/2012/01/12/schmallenberg-virus/


Schmallenberg Virus: Updated 23 January 2012

On January 23 AHVLA reported the presence of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) on four sheep farms in Norfolk, Suffolk and East Sussex. Last week we obtained samples from animals with clinical signs consistent with SBV infection via our Regional Laboratory network. The samples were analysed at the Virology Laboratory, AHVLA Weybridge based on information provided by the Netherlands and the Friedrich Loeffler Institute.






More information is available at the link above.

thanks for putting that up very important

bob charles

biggest danger I suppose is that there is so little know about it at the moment. There is always something new in farming

greysides

SBV virus now confirmed in Germany.

According to the Ministry of Environment SBV has been confirmed in the
fetus of a bison and its dam from the northern Rhineland-Palatinate
area, the country's 1st confirmed evidence of the so-called
Schmallenberg virus.

A total of 5 lambs are under investigation as the virus is suspected.
The preliminary positive findings by the State Health Office were sent
for confirmation to the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute on the Island of
Riems. "Final results are expected by the end of the week," said
Minister Ulrike Hofken.

pakalasa

Maybe it's about time, as an Island, we should give serious consideration to banning the live importation of cattle. 6,000 calves came into the country last year. Madness when you think we export 80% of our beef.

PatQfarmer

pakalasa wrote: »

Maybe it's about time, as an Island, we should give serious consideration to banning the live importation of cattle. 6,000 calves came into the country last year. Madness when you think we export 80% of our beef.

Agreed!
Irrespective of the price of calves here(and as a buyer, I wish they were cheaper!), there is no margin for error with regard to imports. Calves from UK and Romania being imported here is lunacy. It should not be allowed, in order to protect our Herd health status.
It is short-termism at it's worst, imo.

greysides

pakalasa wrote: »

Maybe it's about time, as an Island, we should give serious consideration to banning the live importation of cattle.

It would be great if it were possible. Legally I doubt it's possible. It could also work against us too.
What we probably could do is insist on imports having the same health status as our own cattle.............. a good reason to eradicate BVD- as that could be used against us too.

I don't know about the state of Romanian agriculture but the closer countries infected with this virus are not blasé about cattle health, probably better than us- this virus is spreading despite this. Progress does not render us immune to disease just less susceptible.

greysides

pakalasa wrote: »

Maybe it's about time, as an Island, we should give serious consideration to banning the live importation of cattle.

Found this today:

Control and International trade issues

- None of the infections and diseases caused by the viruses of the Simbu serogroup are
included in the list of diseases subjected to international notification or standards on trade
established by the OIE. The data available suggest that the Schmallenberg virus infection
does not deserve a different approach from diseases like Akabane. .
- The affected EU Member States have, however, in full transparency notified the OIE the
occurrence of the Schmallenberg virus in their territory, under the notification procedure for
emerging diseases.
- The EU does not apply any trade restrictions in relation to the Schmallenberg virus as well
as any other Orthobunyavirus on live animals, their meat, milk or animal by-products, as it
does not consider that these goods pose a risk of transmission of these viruses.
- Based on the available data, the EU considers that restrictive measures against EU exports
of ruminants (cattle, sheep and goats) and their products are not justified.
The EU will continue to keep third countries informed on developments on this issue.



I can only see one small fly-in-the-ointment with this........sorry.....

If a midge transfers the disease virus to a ruminant..........where did it pick up the virus from?


Usually it's a viraemic (virus in blood) animal..........???

It is unlikely a sick animal would be transported but for long how is the animal infectious to midges?

At the moment, I don't think the specific answer is either available or known.


There is an interesting article here, a little technical but not all technical.

PMU

PatQfarmer wrote: »

Agreed!
Irrespective of the price of calves here(and as a buyer, I wish they were cheaper!), there is no margin for error with regard to imports. Calves from UK and Romania being imported here is lunacy. It should not be allowed, in order to protect our Herd health status.
It is short-termism at it's worst, imo.

its only 11 years since the Foot and Mouth outbreak!

5live

greysides wrote: »

Found this today:

Control and International trade issues

- None of the infections and diseases caused by the viruses of the Simbu serogroup are
included in the list of diseases subjected to international notification or standards on trade
established by the OIE. The data available suggest that the Schmallenberg virus infection
does not deserve a different approach from diseases like Akabane. .
- The affected EU Member States have, however, in full transparency notified the OIE the
occurrence of the Schmallenberg virus in their territory, under the notification procedure for
emerging diseases.
- The EU does not apply any trade restrictions in relation to the Schmallenberg virus as well
as any other Orthobunyavirus on live animals, their meat, milk or animal by-products, as it
does not consider that these goods pose a risk of transmission of these viruses.
- Based on the available data, the EU considers that restrictive measures against EU exports
of ruminants (cattle, sheep and goats) and their products are not justified.
The EU will continue to keep third countries informed on developments on this issue.



I can only see one small fly-in-the-ointment with this........sorry.....

If a midge transfers the disease virus to a ruminant..........where did it pick up the virus from?


Usually it's a viraemic (virus in blood) animal..........???

It is unlikely a sick animal would be transported but for long how is the animal infectious to midges?

At the moment, I don't think the specific answer is either available or known.


There is an interesting article here, a little technical but not all technical.

Thanks for the link greysides. The only positive i can find is only 1 in 3 of the lab infected cattle developed symptoms, but that could also mean that only 1/3 of herds are actually showing symptoms and the virus could be latent but infectious, bit like BVD PIs:(

greysides

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/240802.php

Scientists believe that the virus is vector-borne, even though they have not ruled out other routes of transmission. At the present moment, the clinical signs observed together with meteorological risk models, indicate that the four farms were affected either in summer or autumn 2011. Hereditary defects are now being seen at lambing time.

Imported animals from affected areas in northern Europe are also considered to be at potential risk, with their UK destinations being tagged.

Russia banned imports of sheep and goat meat as well as live animals from the Netherlands on 18 January, joining Mexico. The Dutch agriculture ministry said China had asked for more information.

LostCovey

Now confirmed in Norfolk? Present since autumn?

http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/latest-news/schmallenberg-circulating-since-autumn-vets/44451.article

LC

greysides

greysides

http://www.independent.ie/farming/news-features/vets-urged-to-flag-suspect-schmallenberg-virus-signs-3011319.html


Vets across the country have been urged to contact Department of Agriculture regional veterinary laboratories if they suspect any cases of Schmallenberg virus.

The disease has so far been confirmed in cattle in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as four sheep flocks in the east of Britain.

British vets suspect that farms there could have been infected by midges blown across the English Channel from affected areas in Europe.

The spread of the disease is to be discussed at a meeting of the European Commission's Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health in Brussels next week.

Meanwhile, IFA president John Bryan has urged farmers to be extremely cautious when purchasing animals of unknown origin and health status.

He said farmers and importers should resist the temptation of the perceived better value, and consider the implications an outbreak of the virus would have for the individual herd, and potentially the trade status of the national herd should the virus be introduced to Ireland.

"With a worrying lack of information available about this new virus, everybody involved in the industry has an obligation to act in a responsible manner that does not increase the risk of this virus reaching our shores and protect our national health and trade status," Mr Bryan said.

Mr Bryan said the IFA will be meeting senior Department of Agriculture officials to call for all necessary precautions to be taken to keep the virus out of Ireland.



Summary available here.

Ford4000

This situation getting pretty worrying to say the least....

1chippy

Seen a lad on donedeal now importing calves from Germany. Are we ever going to learn?

redzerologhlen

Nasty looking going by the video greysides posted. If midges carried it to England it's hard to see how we will escape.

greysides

Farmers Guardian article yesterday:

“Due to the increase in reports of SBV identified in France, the areas at comparatively higher risk in the UK have been revised in line with the plume modeling data from the summer which models areas at risk of midge incursion from northern Europe,” AHVLA said.
“These areas include Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire and therefore an increase in risk for South Wales."

There has been a confirmed case in Cornwall today.

bogman_bass

redzerologhlen wrote: »

Nasty looking going by the video greysides posted. If midges carried it to England it's hard to see how we will escape.

so is blue tounge and we avoided that so there is hope

greysides

There was a vaccine for Bluetongue that was available quite quickly. Much of the foundation work had been done already as there were BT vaccines for other serotypes available on the continent. There is a vaccine available for Akabane disease in Australia and while similar it is a different virus. There would be a lot of preliminary work to be done before a vaccine would be ready for production.

We may be lucky and escape this disease as the UK would be our buffer, again. The situation there will only be known in full soon as lambing and calving get under way in a bigger way. So we don't even know yet how far it has already spread.

bogman_bass

I know that but it wasnt till that autumn that the vaccine came out. we went through prime midge season (summer) and managed to avoid it. with prevailing winds such as they are we can be hopeful of avoiding it through that vector. now imported stock is a different matter but pedigree breeders were a lot more wary of bringing in stock tahat year and hopefully that caution will still be there

PatQfarmer

Am I alone in thinking this is entirely wrong?
Calves from Germany.

http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/beefcattle/3038924

Even the pics show the camera steaming up and they are so squashed, they must be breeding disease.
Why are these allowed into Ireland?

greysides

PatQfarmer wrote: »

Am I alone in thinking this is entirely wrong?
Calves from Germany.

No, I would agree with you. However, rules and regulations deal with facts that are known and not presumed.

Let's presume for a moment..........

Bluetongue (BT) also is a disease spread by midges. As all midges are expected to die from frosts over the winter, where do the new generation of midges pick up the infection for the new year?

For BT there may be transovarial transmission- the virus is in the laid eggs that hatch in the rising temperatures of the new year. It is also thought that midges may pick up the virus from the blood of recovered carrier animals.

I would presume that the SCM virus could be transmitted similarly. However, we do not KNOW this is the case. Time will clarify the issue.

Animals from the affected areas of England would have to be viewed similarly. We don't know................but can we take the chance??

rancher

PatQfarmer wrote: »

Am I alone in thinking this is entirely wrong?
Calves from Germany.

http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/beefcattle/3038924

Even the pics show the camera steaming up and they are so squashed, they must be breeding disease.
Why are these allowed into Ireland?

Same reason as Irish weanlings are allowed into Italy I guess

greysides

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/9106270/Mystery-virus-kills-thousands-of-lambs.html


So far, 74 farms across southern and eastern England have been hit by the virus, which arrived in this country in January.

The worst affected counties are Norfolk, Suffolk, East Sussex and Kent, but the virus has spread all along the south coast to Cornwall.

Farmers fear the disease may spread to larger flocks in the north of England, Wales and Scotland.

A thousand farms in Europe have reported cases

On the Continent, some farms have lost half of their lambs.

In Europe, Germany, Holland and France have suffered worst, while recent cases have been reported in Italy and Luxembourg.

Defra says a ban on imports would not work, because the disease “is already here”.

The escalation and range of cases is deeply concerning and some experts are now suggesting that the volume of cases being seen is an indication that this is, in fact, the second year of infection.

“If that is the case then it raises the worrying prospect that the virus may have an effective overwintering mechanism.”

...scientists cannot yet rule out transmission of the disease from animal to animal.

Five of the British farms have seen cattle affected, with calves aborted at six months of pregnancy.

“From what I hear, we are likely to see weak calves that take a lot of expense and nursing to get going again."

“There is unlikely to be a risk to human health from Schmallenberg virus; but this is not yet certain.”

mayowillie

RTE have finally caught up:

Farmers in Ireland have been urged to be vigilant about a new disease known as the Schmallenberg virus, which is fatal to lambs and can also affect cattle...
The main lambing season has just started in Ireland and 3m lambs are expected to be born over the next two months...
Irish Farmers' Association leader John Bryan called for bio-security to be stepped up a ports and airports.
The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association has urged farmers to report anything unusual to their vet and to be careful about importing livestock.
ICSA President Gabriel Gilmartin said that farmers need to think "long and hard" about importing any livestock at this time until a fuller picture emerges on the newly discovered virus.

If When it lands here, (if it hasn't already), what kind of preventative measures or restrictions do ye think we are likely to see - if any?

And a second question - can farmers be trusted to report any possible cases of the virus on their farms? Do they really want to bring the Department on themselves and /or face a possible loss of income?

greysides

mayowillie wrote: »

If When it lands here, (if it hasn't already), what kind of preventative measures or restrictions do ye think we are likely to see - if any?

We have no reason to think it's here yet. We escaped BT due to geography and it may have saved us again.
In the UK, DEFRA are asking to be informed so as to know the extent of the spread but the disease is not notifiable by law. There are no legal implications of being affected there.
As the disease is transmitted by midges there is not much that can be done except try to keep midges and animals apart.

And a second question - can farmers be trusted to report any possible cases of the virus on their farms? Do they really want to bring the Department on themselves and /or face a possible loss of income?

This disease does not seem to have human health implications. The main reason for Department intervention in animal disease is based around human health. This time there would be little for them to do. The problem would not be solved by culling. Exposed animals are likely to be immune in future.

As regards 'facing possible loss of income' ..... if it comes, there will be little say in that aspect.

flatout11

pakalasa wrote: »

Maybe it's about time, as an Island, we should give serious consideration to banning the live importation of cattle. 6,000 calves came into the country last year. Madness when you think we export 80% of our beef.

that would also include banning the importation of pedigree stock including all those bulls we like to talk about...... its not an option if we were to ban imports from eg holland whats to stop them or other countries doing the same with ours? and for that measure to be effective the north would have to be the same, banning import of stock is a bit of a knee jerk reaction, but the idea of them being the same health status has grounds, but are imported stock not tested anyway for most known diseases??