Preliminary Survey on the Impact of Schmallenberg Virus on Sheep Flocks in South of Belgium

Abstract

Summary 18Between late February and May 2012, a preliminary anonym survey was conducted among 27Lamb mortality during the first week of life was reported more frequently in PF (8 of 13 PF, 28 61.5%) than in NF (1 of 13 NF, 7.7%). In PF, the observed prolificacy rate was two-fold 29 lower (93%) than expected (186%). 2The implementation of a survey at larger scale, including a high number of breeders, is 31 necessary to allow a more detailed analysis of the SBV impact in the sheep sector. 32

Schmallenberg Virus among Female Lambs, Belgium, 2012

“…Depending on the gestational age of the offspring, abortion, stillbirth, or severe congenital malformations, including arthrogryposis and defects of central nervous system, might occur ( 3 , 4 ). Transplacental infection of offspring that occurred during 2011 led to economic losses in animal husbandry of sheep, goats, and cattle during birthing periods occurring during November 2011 through spring 2012 ( 5 , 6 ). …”

Impact of Schmallenberg virus on British farms

“…Another important question that needs to be further assessed is the real impact of SBV on the farming community and the economy. It is known that SBV has caused significant economic losses that are principally due to international trade restrictions (EFSA 2014); however, only a few studies have been conducted to determine the real impact of SBV on productivity and livestock welfare in dairy farms (Afonso and others 2014, Veldhuis and others 2014, Wernike and others 2014) and sheep farms (Dominguez and others 2012, Luttikholt and others 2014, Saegerman and others 2013). These reports suggest that SBV probably causes abortion, short gestation and reduced reproductive performance, but these data remain too limited to accurately evaluate the impact of SBV.…”

Epidemiology, molecular virology and diagnostics of Schmallenberg virus, an emerging orthobunyavirus in Europe

“…The highest proportion of SBV-confirmed herds in comparison with the total number of herds per region is 6.6% for sheep and 4% for cattle [29]. Nevertheless, it remains difficult to provide an accurate estimation of the number of herds affected by the virus and to determine the economic impact of the disease on the livestock industry since cases were most likely underreported or underdetected [132,134,135]. …”