Schmallenberg virus

Schmallenberg virus (SBV) is a new virus which has been reported in cattle, sheep and goats. SBV is not a notifiable disease. 

This virus belongs to a group of viruses that are spread by insects (mostly midges). The disease was first discovered in Germany in 2011 and since then has been found across Northern Europe and UK.

SBV was detected for the first time in Wales, on a premises in Ceredigion, in September 2012.

The virus has been associated with brief mild/moderate disease in adult cattle.  Late abortion or birth defects have been observed in newborn cattle, sheep and goats.

The livestock industry has launched a survey aimed at capturing the impact of last year’s poor weather and prevalence of disease (including SBV) on the lamb crop across Great Britain.

The survey was developed by several industry bodies with support from the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA).

We encourage all sheep farmers in Wales to answer the questions to the best of their knowledge.

The latest Schmallenberg information and news can be viewed by clicking the links below.

Related links:

Latest updates on Schmallenberg virus from the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) - (external link)

AHVLA- Schmallenburg virus (external link)

EU impact assessment (external link).

Schmallenberg virus: analysis of the epidemiological data November 2012 (external link)

Lamb Crop survey (external link)

National Sheep Association (external link)