Virus Threat To Livestock
A disease which causes deformities in new born lambs has been identified in Leicestershire for a second time. The Schmallenberg Virus causes birth defects in sheep, goats and cattle.
Schmallenberg Virus: a vacine should be available by the summer
A vacine to protect sheep and cattle from the Schmallenberg Virus, which is already well established in the UK, could be available by the summer, says Defra Chief Veterinary Officer Alick Simmons.
The virus, which emerged in the Netherlands and Germany in 2011, has affected sheep and cattle across the Midlands – with many farmers losing around 40% of their livestock.
Alick Simmons explains how the vacine will protect livestock.
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