No Schmallenberg cases in 2014

The Department of Agriculture vet laboratories have not confirmed any cases of Schmallenberg virus in 2014.

Speaking at the Teagasc National Sheep Conference, Damien Barrett, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Laboratories, said the probability of deformed lambs and calves caused by Schmallenberg virus in 2014 had greatly reduced from 2013.

The disease was prevalent in the south and southeast in 2013. However, Damien Barrett said that despite expectations for the virus to spread outside this area, there was little or no evidence of further spread of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) in 2013.

Further analysis of flocks within the south and southeast, including those considered endemically infected, shows that a high proportion of 2013-born lambs were not exposed to SBV.

The consequences of this in replacement animals are sheep that are immunologically naive and as a result highly susceptible should the virus circulate in these areas again.

The reason for the virus not spreading is unknown, but it is thought that the long winter in 2012-2013 slowed midge activity with the hot dry summer also believed to have reduced the midge population and activity.

While the prevalence of the virus is currently low, Barrett is cautioning farmers to be vigilant for animals born with symptoms of the virus (abortion and deformed lambs) and to report any suspect cases to the Department’s regional veterinary laboratories.