Schmallenberg Virus Circulating Now
13 years ago
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Posted
7th August, 2012 13h17
Work carried out by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and the Institute for Animal Health (IAH) looking at the epidemiology of the Schmallenberg virus (SBV) has uncovered results which suggest that the virus has over-wintered and is circulating now.
Commenting, Carl Padgett, President of the British Veterinary Association (BVA), said:
"The work carried out by the RVC and IAH is very important in enhancing our understanding of the Schmallenberg virus. But we are not surprised that the virus may have over-wintered as this was always a possibility.
"The fact that the virus is circulating now will be of particular concern in those areas that were previously unaffected, as the animals will not have immunity and farmers face the loss of lambs and calves.
"Despite likely immunity in previously infected areas the protectiveness of this remains unknown and so we must be watchful for new cases in the currently infected areas.
"Today's news underlines the vital importance of surveillance, monitoring and reporting. It is important to emphasise that at this stage we have only seen evidence of the virus circulating in a small number of animals and so we need to keep the situation under review.
"Work on a vaccine is progressing well but it is unlikely to be available for some months. In the meantime farmers and vets must continue to share as much information as possible to continue to progress our understanding."
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