01/11/2012
Schmallenberg Virus Detected In Co. Down
The presence of a virus which can cause abortion or foetus malformations in livestock has been confirmed in County Down.
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has confirmed tests conducted on a malformed calf in Co Down have identified the presence of Schmallenberg Virus.
There are no human health or food safety implications associated with the disease, but it affects all ruminant species and is particularly found in sheep and cattle.
Symptoms of the disease are found primarily in cattle and include fever, drop in milk yield and sometimes diarrhoea. Few signs of the disease are found in sheep.
It is thought the virus is spread by midges, which means it is likely further cases will be reported.
Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill said: "This is the first case of the disease detected in the north. Yesterday the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine in Dublin reported the first case in the south, in Co Cork. These developments are unsurprising, given the rapid spread of the virus across northern Europe and large parts of Britain since it was first identified in late 2011.
"While Schmallenberg Virus is recognised as a low impact disease, I appreciate the distress that it causes at an individual farm level. Any losses as a result of this disease are regrettable. I would encourage farmers if they suspect presence of the disease to contact their veterinary practitioner. Suspect cases that meet the clinical case definition will be investigated by AFBI."
(IT)
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has confirmed tests conducted on a malformed calf in Co Down have identified the presence of Schmallenberg Virus.
There are no human health or food safety implications associated with the disease, but it affects all ruminant species and is particularly found in sheep and cattle.
Symptoms of the disease are found primarily in cattle and include fever, drop in milk yield and sometimes diarrhoea. Few signs of the disease are found in sheep.
It is thought the virus is spread by midges, which means it is likely further cases will be reported.
Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill said: "This is the first case of the disease detected in the north. Yesterday the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine in Dublin reported the first case in the south, in Co Cork. These developments are unsurprising, given the rapid spread of the virus across northern Europe and large parts of Britain since it was first identified in late 2011.
"While Schmallenberg Virus is recognised as a low impact disease, I appreciate the distress that it causes at an individual farm level. Any losses as a result of this disease are regrettable. I would encourage farmers if they suspect presence of the disease to contact their veterinary practitioner. Suspect cases that meet the clinical case definition will be investigated by AFBI."
(IT)
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