The Schmallenberg virus is one of several viruses threatening farming operations in the United Kingdom. If the viruses spread widely, livelihoods could be lost and the food supply interrupted .

The Schmallenberg virus appears to be spread by midges. It causes a relatively mild illness in adult animals but is responsible for stillbirths and birth defects in cattle, sheep and goats.

Schmallenberg usually runs in cycles of three to five years, but this latest outbreak does not fit this pattern, she adds. “Maybe immunity has waned, and the midge challenge has been higher this ...

Schmallenberg has been reported on more than 1,200 farms across the country, but there are fears the disease is being under-reported and that the Government is not taking the threat seriously enough.

Schmallenberg virus was first detected in the UK earlier this year in the south and east of England. It has spread rapidly during the summer, probably through midges, say government scientists.

Schmallenberg virus is present in the UK this summer and could spread throughout the country, scientists say. Staff from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and Institute for Animal Health ...

Schmallenberg is a viral disease affecting cattle, sheep and goats. Where has it been detected? • The disease was first detected last August in cattle in Germany and has spread to The ...

Climate change is raising the risk of diseases such as Schmallenberg in the UK and northern Europe, say scientists. Schmallenberg virus affects sheep and cattle, and is probably carried by midges ...

But Schmallenberg remains a real threat to sheep and cattle, one that seems to be getting worse. It's also a threat the financial and emotional wellbeing of our farmers and their families.

Schmallenberg is affecting hundreds of flocks across the south of England, with vets and farmers observing a sharp rise in cases of the 'wicked' disease. A mild autumn and low immunity in sheep are ...