IFAH-Europe Holding Statement – 25 January 2023 (Download as pdf)

Schmallenberg Virus outbreak in Europe, January 2012

There have been reports of an outbreak of a novel virus among cattle, sheep and goats in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK.
In August 2011, the first clinical signs appeared in cattle including fever, reduced milk yield, and in some cases diarrhoea.
In November 2011 and in January 2012, additional clinical signs appeared as miscarriages and stillbirths associated with congenital abnormalities, mainly affecting sheep, but also cattle and goats.
Tests carried out have identified a new virus named Schmallenberg Virus (SBV). It appears to belong to a group of viruses which are spread mainly by midges and mosquitoes, although there is no clarity as yet about the main method of transmission.
Assessments carried out by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), have so far indicated that the risk to human health from Schmallenberg Virus (SBV) appears to be very low. Farmers and veterinarians are however advised to take hygiene precautions when working with livestock

For more information please to go to:
The Friedrich Loeffler Institute http://www.fli.bund.de/en/startseite/current-news/animal-disease-situation/new-orthobunyavirus-detected-in-cattle-in-germany.html)
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC): http://ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications/Publications/Forms/ECDC_DispForm.aspx?ID=795
European Commission’s DG SANCO: http://ec.europa.eu/food/committees/regulatory/scfcah/animal_health/presentations_en.htm