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Know How / Schmallenberg

Schmallenberg virus, or SBV, was first identified in sheep, cattle and goats in the UK in 2012. The disease, spread by midges, causes foetal abnormalities, abortion, still birth and deformities in lambs and calves. See news on outbreaks, vaccination and advice if you flock or herd is affected.

Advice and tips

Your questions on Schmallenberg virus answered

Knowing whether an animal has aquired immunity following infection with Schmallenberg virus is a question being answered by vet Ian Nanjiani of Westpoint Vets. Q A friend who had deformed…

SCHMALLENBERG

Test rams for Schmallenberg before tupping

Sheep farmers buying in breeding stock from areas badly hit by Schmallenberg virus are being advised to conduct fertility tests on rams. Maarten Boers, a vet from the Livestock Partnership,…

SCHMALLENBERG

Tips for preventing Schmallenberg risk in breeding stock

As the livestock breeding season kicks into gear, here's some top tips to help reduce the risk of Schmallenberg virus in your herd or flock. 1. Postpone tupping until after…

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News

SCHMALLENBERG

Schmallenberg survey calls for farmers to take part

Virology researchers at the University of Nottingham are calling for farmers to complete their latest Schmallenberg impact survey. The study, carried out by researchers at the university’s School of Veterinary…

SCHMALLENBERG

Farmers say more data needed on Schmallenberg impact

Farmers are calling for a more definitive method of recording cases of Schmallenberg virus, as the true extent of the issue remains largely unrecorded. Sheep farmers across the country have…

SCHMALLENBERG

Surge in cases of Schmallenberg impacting lambing

Sheep farmers have noticed a concerning rise in the number of lambs being stillborn due to Schmallenberg, with early lambing flocks being most affected. The number of cases is thought…

LIVESTOCK DISEASES

Livestock farmers warned of potential explosion of diseases

The livestock industry is facing a potential explosion in animal diseases this spring and summer, with cases of bluetongue and Schmallenberg virus expected to spike in the warmer weather. Although…

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Video

LIVESTOCK

Sheep crisis: farm leaders meet minister

NFU leaders are meeting farm minister David Heath to discuss the crisis facing sheep farmers. NFU livestock chairman Charles Sercombe and the union's chief livestock adviser Peter Garbutt are meeting…

LIVESTOCK

Video: Schmallenberg disease - sheep farmer's story

Some early lambing sheep flocks have reported up to 50% lamb losses, with costs mounting in to the thousands. Farmers Weekly livestock editor Sarah Trickett visited one Oxfordshire farm where…

LIVESTOCK

VIDEO: Schmallenberg virus outbreak expected

The Institue for Animal Health (IAH) has warned that the Schmallenberg virus has survived the winter and an outbreak is likely to come over the coming months. Professor Peter Mertens…

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