Schmallenberg virus in Cork

The Department of Agriculture has identified the Schmallenberg virus in a bovine foetus submitted for autopsy from a farm in Co Cork. It is the first incidence of the virus in Irish farms.

The virus does not give rise to any human health or food safety concerns, but can lead to a drop in milk production.
The department stated: "As the virus has been spreading rapidly across Europe over the past year, finding evidence of the virus in Ireland is not unexpected. The department is carrying out investigations seeking to establish the source of infection.

"In general, the virus causes mild disease in adult cattle. The clinical signs which were seen in cattle in Europe during 2011 and 2012 are transient, and include fever, a drop in milk production and sometimes diarrhoea."

The department also states that when infection occurs in animals that are not pregnant, the impact is very limited. However, if animals are infected during the early stages of pregnancy, they may abort or give birth to malformed offspring. The virus is transmitted by insect vectors, and has been confirmed in biting midges in Belgium, Denmark, and Norway.

While Schmallenberg is not a notifiable disease the department will continue to carry out surveillance. Farmers are asked to contact their veterinary practitioner if they encounter cases of aborted foetuses or newborn animals showing malformations or nervous signs.

Vets should then contact their regional veterinary laboratory if they suspect infection with the virus. There is no licensed vaccine available.

IFA president John Bryan said it was disappointing that the virus had made its way to the island of Ireland, and urged farmers to be vigilant.

"The real concern for farmers is the possible losses on farm due to an increase in foetal mortality."

Schmallenberg was identified in Germany and the Netherlands in 2011, and is named after the German town where the virus was first identified. To date, more than 6,000 outbreaks of the disease have been confirmed in 10 countries across Europe.