Third Aberdeenshire Schmallenberg Case Confirmed
SCOTLAND – A third case of Schmallenberg Virus (SBV) has been confirmed north of Aberdeen, according to the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) Veterinary Services.
2 July 2013
1 minute read
A deformed home-bred heifer calf was confirmed as having SBV through PCR testing at the Moredun Research institute. Initial thoughts on cause focus on a batch of store cattle that arrive din the area last autumn.
With the overall SBV toll now up to three in Aberdeenshire, experts have said that the worst is probably yet to come.
“Although we cannot predict what will happen, given that there have now been three cases of SBV in Aberdeenshire it is likely that further cases will be identified in the area in the near future,” said Brian Hosie, SAC Veterinary Services Manager. “This third case emphasises the need for sheep and cattle farmers to consider their own situation and discuss it with their vet practice.”
It is believed that midges spread the virus from infected cattle to homebred stock late last year.
SRUC advises any farmers who encounter foetal abnormalities, stillbirths or newborns showing signs of nervous disease are advised should contact their vet, or local SAC Consulting: Veterinary Services Disease Surveillance Centre (DSC).
They should not assume these are cases of Schmallenberg virus infection as other diseases can cause birth defects in lambs and calves and it is important to know which disease you are dealing with.
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