Regional vet labs (RVLs) are reporting an increase in the number of suspected Schmallenberg virus (SBV) cases in aborted lambs, in particular, and calves submitted this month. A number of suspect cases submitted this month to Sligo and Athlone RVLs have birth deformities that are very suggestive of the effects of SBV infection of ewes and cows during pregnancy, Department of Agriculture officials have confirmed.