Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent progress has been made on the Government's Schmallenberg virus strategy.
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Answer
Over the summer, enhanced surveillance testing funded by DEFRA has identified Schmallenberg virus across much of England. Information on the counties where disease has been found, the affected species and the type of test carried out has been published on the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency website so that farmers, in consultation with their vets, can use this in making appropriate decisions for their herds and flocks. Testing for Schmallenberg virus, including bulk milk testing, is now commercially available for individual farm testing.
Infection in adult cattle and sheep is mild and transient and we believe produces good immunity, giving subsequent protection during pregnancy.
DEFRA is supporting research into Schmallenberg virus in the UK and working collaboratively with other member states to address the many unknowns about this new disease. Research is focused on understanding more about the epidemiology, immunity, transmission pathways, reservoir hosts and pathogenicity of the virus.
We are aware of the development of commercial vaccines against Schmallenberg virus and that a submission has been made to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate for approval. Deployment of the vaccine will be a decision for the farmer and livestock keeper to take in consultation with his/her private veterinarian, considering the management of that flock/herd. Given the widespread prevalence of the Schmallenberg virus, the apparent acquired immunity and the low impact of the disease, it is possible there will be little cost benefit to vaccinating flocks and herds every year.