Sheep management: Schmallenberg virus

There are numerous reports at farm level that suggest Schmallenberg virus could be active in early lambing flocks.

Clinical signs include congenital abnormalities in aborted animals or in animals born alive or dead.

Abnormalities include bent limbs or fixed joints, stiff necks, curved spines and a shortened lower jaw.

In previous years, there were cases of animals born that physically looked fine but possessed nervous system issues that impaired their ability to walk, suck, etc.

The only real advice for farmers dealing with suspect cases is to implement higher supervision at lambing and approach suspect births with greater care to lower the risk of harm to the dam.

This is as deformed foetuses can regularly give rise to difficult births, with the natural birthing process affected in particular by fused, rigid or bent limbs restricting movement through the birth canal.

For this reason, it is important to proceed with caution and seek veterinary assistance in adequate time if you foresee a problem.

It is also important to get a diagnosis to confirm that it is Schmallenberg virus that is causing the problem.

The Department offers free post mortem examinations and SBV screening for deformed ruminant foetuses and newborns where SBV is suspected.

Submissions to the Department take place as normal with your veterinary practitioner arranging a time for delivery of samples.

There are six vet labs located in Athlone, Co Westmeath; Bishopstown, Co Cork; Celebridge, Co Kildare; Hebron Road, Kilkenny; Knockalisheen, Limerick and Doonally, Co Sligo.

Farmers in Northern Ireland should contact their local DAERA lab if they have suspect cases. As with all post mortem examinations, the success of an accurate diagnosis will be helped by delivering fresh samples.

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