Schmallenberg update for SW Scotland

2023 saw evidence of significant spread of Schmallenberg (SBV) through large areas of England and Wales with resultant impact on flock and herd fertility and the birth of deformed lambs and calves. Scotland remained largely unaffected with very limited evidence of exposure through antibody testing or clinical disease seen.

Recently we have identified through our general surveillance evidence of seroconversion to SBV in Dumfries and Galloway in individual animals, bulk tanks and barren cow screens. Also we have had reports of suspicious clinical signs in premature lambs in early lambing sheep flocks.

We are working on the assumption that the cattle and sheep populations in this area hitherto have had limited exposure to SBV and therefore the presence of antibody in home reared animals is significant evidence of exposure in 2024.

Although there is nothing that could have been done or can be done now unfortunately, be aware of the risk of foetal deformities going forwards and also to consider SBV as a more likely differential when investigating barren cow or ewe problems as sheep scanning season starts to take off from now on.

Posted by SRUC Veterinary Services on 09/01/2025