New livestock disease from Europe reaches English farms

A new animal disease originating in continental Europe which can cause birth deformities and miscarriages in sheep and cattle has now been found on 74 farms in England.

But Shropshire could be far enough inland to be spared the Schmallenberg virus when the main lambing season begins next month, county NFU leader Rob Alderson said today.

The virus first emerged in the Netherlands and Germany last year, causing mild to moderate symptoms in adult cattle, including reduced milk yield and diarrhoea, and late abortions and birth defects in newborn sheep, goats and cattle.

It is thought the virus is spread by midges, and has crossed the channel from the Continent.

Mr Alderson said he was 'very concerned' about the situation nationally, but said the local picture had yet to fully emerge.

Lambs born in January and February had shown no sign of the disease, he added.

"We hope Shropshire is far enough away from the problem not to be affected."

Mr Alderson called for the development of a vaccine to stop future outbreaks.

The Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) said the infection had now been identified on 74 farms.

Five of the positive cases have been diagnosed in cattle, 69 in sheep, and none to date in other species.

So far, none of the affected farms have reported importing animals during 2011 from the affected areas in mainland Europe.