Schmallenbergvirus found in the Netherlands
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Since December 2011 in the Netherlands a new disease occurred that is characterized by deformed lambs born with defects such as a crooked neck, hydrocephalus, and stiff joints. Most animals are deformed stillborn. Live-born animals are not viable. By research of these lambs a new virus, the so called Schmallenbergvirus, was found. This virus is also the cause of the "cow diarrhea” earlier in 2011 that was observed in cattle in the Netherlands as well as in Germany.
Background Schmallenbergvirus
In Germany and the Netherlands a new virus was found and named after the German town of Schmallenberg, where the virus was found in cattle in November 2011. The Schmallenbergvirus may cause disease in both cattle and sheep as lambs showed. In August and September 2011, the Animal Health Service of the Netherlands had several reports of cattle with diarrhea and production loss. Since December the GD gets reports of deformed born lamb. Both in blood and in some affected cattle brains of two lambs by the Central Veterinary Institute demonstrated the presence of the Schmallenbergvirus.
It is very likely that both the deformed sheep lambs, the diarrhea problems and production loss in dairy cattle was caused by the Schmallenbergvirus.
The Schmallenbergvirus is probably, like the bluetongue virus, transmitted by biting insects (midges). Because these insects are not active in winter, during this the winter months no new infections are expected. The virus belongs to a group of viruses, some of which can cause infections in humans. However, based on current available data, the risk of infection of humans by the Schmallenbergvirus is extremely low. Knowledge so far, says that there is no transmission through food and the food safety risk is negligible. Moreover, based on similar viruses, the virus is harmless, is quickly outside the host and is sensitive to heat treatment.
The CVI, GD, RIVM and NVWA keep a close eye on developments. On contact with animals, the usual recommended hygiene measures apply.
Keepers of animals are required to report to the Dutch Food and Non-food Safety Authority (NVWA) when deformed sheep- or goat lambs and calves are born.