ISLAND FARMERS URGED TO BE VIGILANT FOLLOWING RISE IN CASES OF SCHMALLENBERG VIRUS

Farmers on the Isle of Wight are being warned by the NFU following a rise in cases of Schmallenberg virus (SBV). A viral disease, that affects all ruminants – such as sheep, cattle goats and deer – a rise in cases has been seen across the country including here on the Island. Nationally, from 1st December 2023 – 16th January 2024, a total of 63 cases have been confirmed to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). The majority of cases were found in stillborn lambs. The virus often spreads very quickly and can last between 2-7 days, after which immunity is formed. There is no vaccine available for SBV and no plans for the production of a new vaccine. To date, cases have also been confirmed in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Hereford, Kent, Leicestershire, Oxfordshire, Pembrokeshire, Shropshire, Somerset, Warwickshire and Worcestershire. Back in 2016-17, more than 200 cases were found in sheep and cattle holdings across the United Kingdom. SBV is most likely to be transmitted by insects such as midges, leaving those affected with symptoms including fever, reduced milk yield, and diarrhoea in adult cattle. Farmers should remain vigilant for signs of disease and report any suspicions to APHA or their private vet.