July 2, 2013

A third farm in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, has confirmed that it has been affected by the Schmallenberg Virus (SBV). Experts now expect more cases to be detected in the area in the future.

The recent event, which occurred on a farm near Aberdeen, involved a calf which was identified as having the typical deformities associated with SBV. Post-mortem testing was carried out by SAC Consulting Veterinary Services.

Brian Hosie, manager of SAC, said: "Although we cannot predict what will happen, given that there have now been three case of SBV in Aberdeenshire, it is likely that further cases will be identified in the near future."

According to SAC, the virus was introduced to Aberdeenshire via store cattle that was brought in from infected areas last autumn. The cases in northern Scotland indicate how easily the disease has spread across virtually all of mainland Britain.

A recent report published by the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHLVA) states that over 1,750 cases of SBV have been recorded in Britain since it was first detected in January 2012.

Farmers are advised to contact their local SAC Consulting Veterinary Services Disease Surveillance Centre (DASC) should they encounter any foetal deformities, stillbirths or new-borns displaying any abnormalities with their nervous system.