Schmallenberg virus

1. EUROPEAN LIVESTOCK AND MEAT TRADES UNION UECBV Schmallenberg virus

2. Background Circulation of a previously unknown virus has been reported from November 2011 to January 2012 in ruminants (cattle, sheep and goats) in DE, NL, BE, FR and the UK. The virus is part of the Simbuserogroup of the Bunyaviridae family, genus Orthobunyavirus. Viruses of this Simbuserogroup have never been previously isolated in Europe (mostly found in ruminants in Asia, Australia, Africa and the Middle East. Simbuserogroup viruses are mainly transmitted by mosquitoes (Culicidae) or midges (Culicoides) No direct transmission from animal to animal demonstrated except trans-placental transmission from a viremic dam to the fetus

3. Background Clinical signs Transient non-specific clinical signs of disease in adult cattle (observed in summer and early autumn 2011): Increased body temperatures (>40°C) Diarrhoea Impaired general condition Anorexia Reduced milk yield (by up to 50%) Congenital defects in new born, mainly lambs (observed in winter 2011-2012) There is no evidence that the Schmallenberg virus could cause illness in humans (ECDC report December 2012).

4. EU surveillance & control Several EU MS have spontaneously implemented a suspicion-reporting procedure for abortions, stillbirths or congenital malformations in ruminants. The affected EU MS have notified the OIEthe occurrence of the SV in their territory, under the notification procedure for emerging diseases (SV is not subject to international notification or standards on trade established by the OIE) The data available suggest that the SV infection does not deserve a different approach from diseases like Akabane. SV can currently be detected through RT-PCR testing (no serological test has been developed for large-scale testing, so far). No vaccines are currently available. EFSA, ECDC and several laboratories and experts of the EU MS are currently engaged in studies and investigations on this infection.

5. EU surveillance & control EU SV Outbreaks – information to the OIE 29 SV outbreaks in sheep in France (last update: 31st January) 87 SV outbreaks in sheep and goats in the Netherlands (last update: 31st January). 125 SV outbreaks in cattle, sheep and goats in Germany (last update: 3 February). 11 SV outbreaks in sheep in the UK (last update: 3rd February). 15 SV outbreak in cattle in Belgium (last update: 24 January).

6. International Trade The EU does not apply any trade restrictions in relation to the SV as well as any other Orthobunyavirus on live animals, their meat, milk or animal by-products, as the EU does not consider that these goods pose a risk of transmission of these viruses. Different Third Countries imposed a temporary ban on live ruminants (cattle, sheep and goats), and their semen and embryos from the affected EU MS (Russia, Ukraine, Mexico, Egypt) and other TC are planning to impose restriction measures (US, Kazakhstan and Lebanon). Based on the available data, the EU considers that restrictive measures against EU exports of ruminants and their products are not justified.

7. International Trade UECBV is in close and daily contact with UECBV members in the concern countries and with DG TRADE and SANCO in order to facilitate the information flow between the EU and the industry/livestock sector and to avoid additional restriction measures to trade

8. www.uecbv.eu Thank you very much for your attention!