What causes Schmallenberg virus?
What causes Schmallenberg virus?
Observational studies revealed that the virus is transmitted via insect vectors, mainly midges. The virus has been identified in pools of heads of Culicoides obsoletus and Culicoides dewulfi. Animal to animal transmission has been excluded at this stage.
What is Schmallenberg virus in animals?
Schmallenberg virus (SBV) is a virus identified in Europe in 2011 that affects sheep, cattle and goats. Animals exposed to the disease seem to develop immunity, making it likely that disease will die out in areas where the disease has been present. This is a relatively low impact disease.
How is schmallenberg transmitted?
Schmallenberg is spread by Culicoides sp midges of the obsoletus complex. It does not spread directly from animal to animal, Its spread is closely linked to the numbers of midges, which typically peak in late summer/early autumn (August/September) and drop sharply once frosts begin.
Does schmallenberg cause abortion?
In affected herds, SBV infection has been associated with diarrhea, fever, and decreased milk production. Although symptoms are generally mild and short-lived in adult ruminants, SBV infections can result in widespread abortions and developmental malformations in newborn domestic ruminant livestock.
How can schmallenberg be prevented?
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.
- Postpone tupping until after late autumn when temperatures drop.
- Stagger breeding over a wider period to help spread the risk.
How can the Schmallenberg virus be prevented?
Postpone tupping until after late autumn when temperatures drop. If the risk period of pregnancy occurs outside the midge season there is a reduced chance of problems. 2. Stagger breeding over a wider period to help spread the risk.
What causes bluetongue?
The disease is non-contagious and is only transmitted by insect vectors (midges of the Culicoides species). The disease is caused by a virus belonging to the family Reoviridae. Bluetongue virus is a notifiable disease in many countries.
What type of virus is bluetongue?
Bluetongue is caused by the pathogenic virus, Bluetongue virus (BTV), of the genus Orbivirus, of the Reoviridae family.
Is there a cure for bluetongue?
No satisfactory medical treatment has been found for animals with blue tongue. Generally, with proper care, most animals recover naturally within 14 days, although severely affected animals may recover more slowly.
How can bluetongue virus be prevented?
Vaccinating your animals Vaccination is the best way to protect animals from the Bluetongue virus.
How is bluetongue virus transmitted?
Bluetongue virus is spread by insects called biting midges (Culicoides spp.). (vector). Other biting insects, such as ticks or sheep keds, may also transfer the virus. Bluetongue is not contagious and is not spread by contact between animals.
Can bluetongue disease affect humans?
Bluetongue is an insect-borne viral disease to which all species of ruminants are susceptible, although sheep are most severely affected. It does not affect humans.
