Schmallenberg sheep disease imminent, experts warn

Schmallenberg disease causes late abortion or birth defects in newborn cattle, sheep and goats and leading scientists at the Flexibourne Viral Diseases at the Institute of Animal Health say there's a strong possibility the virus will spread across Wales by the end of the autumn.

Professor Peter Mertens leads the team tracking Schmallenberg's progress across the UK and says the virus has survived throughout winter and is now showing up as 'present' in areas it hadn't before. Schmallenberg is already on farms on the southern border of Wales in the West Country he believes it's only a matter of time before it hits Welsh farms.

Scientists say the best treatment method would be to have a vaccine but they're not cheap at the moment. Vaccine manufacturers have to be licensed appropriately and that hasn't happened yet as the national body for the UK are waiting for a dossier to scrutinise them before they can be sold or marketed.

Farmers are telling ITV Wales they're extremely worried about how widespread the disease will be.

Our business correspondent Carole Green looks at the impact to consumers.