Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect of Schmallenberg disease on (a) adult cattle, (b) calves, (c) adult sheep and (d) lambs.
[149171]
Answer
While many animals and farms in GB may have been infected, clinical signs in adult sheep and beef cattle to date have been non-existent. The signs in dairy cattle of a raised temperature, reduced milk yield and in some cases diarrhoea are mild/moderate, short-lived
and similar to other endemic diseases due to their non-specific nature. In an individual dairy cow these mild clinical signs may last up to five days, and across the herd as a whole for several weeks. The main impact is in pregnancy on the developing foetus. The virus attacks the developing neurological system and limbs of foetal lambs or calves resulting in malformations such as domed heads, fixed bent limbs and jaw deformities. The affected newborns are often born dead or die shortly after birth. Birthing may be difficult due to the foetal limb presentation and care needs to be taken in assisting the mother, seeking veterinary assistance as appropriate. Post partum after care should be provided as with any other difficult birth.