Schmallenberg Virus is a disease that affects cattle and sheep, which causes the birth of malformed calves and lambs.
This disease was first identified as late as 2011 in Germany, so there is still much to learn about the disease.
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Symptoms of Schmallenberg Virus
The symptoms of Schmallenberg Virus are abortion and stillbirth in ruminants and malformation of offspring.
Telltale signs include bent limbs, fixed joints, stiff necks, curved spines, and shortened lower jaws.
De plus, cela peut avoir un effet néfaste sur le système nerveux du veau.
Conditions like blindness, ataxia, recumbency, inability for suck, fits and ‘dummy’ calves can result.
Chez les bovins adultes, elle se manifeste par de la fièvre, une diminution de la production laitière, une perte d'appétit, une perte de poids et de la diarrhée.
If this virus manifests in adult cattle, they can develop a fever and their milk will drop.
It can occur as a congenital malformation in newborn or aborted animals.
How is Schmallenberg Virus Transmitted?
Schmallenberg Virus is transmitted through infected midge and mosquito bites.
It cannot be transmitted from animal to animal, apart from maternal transmission from mother to offspring in utero.
Treating Schmallenberg Virus
Unfortunately, there is no treatment currently available to treat Schmallenberg virus.
There is a vaccine available but it is not currently available in Ireland as it was discontinued due to lack of demand in recent years.
How to Prevent Schmallenberg Virus
Watch out for what cattle you’re importing to your herd.
You can use insecticides to kill and repel the midges that carry the disease from going near your herd.
If you do use them, observe a withdrawal period prior to presenting any animals onto the food chain.
Ensure Calving is Humane
If your calf makes it to term, Schmallenberg virus can still be devastating, and calf malformations have the potential to cause a difficult calving.
If you aren’t expecting a Schmallenberg calf, equipping the Moocall calving sensor means you will be down and ready to assist the calving to ensure maximum animal welfare.
