Schmallenberg orthobunyavirus (SBV): A Closer Look at the Threat to Ruminants
Schmallenberg orthobunyavirus, also known as Schmallenberg virus (SBV), is a virus that primarily affects ruminants like cattle, sheep, goats, and potentially even alpaca. It emerged in Europe in 2011 and has since spread to other parts of the world.
Key Points About SBV:
- Transmission:
- Primarily transmitted by midges (Culicoides spp.) during their feeding activities.
- Can also spread through placental transmission, posing a significant risk to offspring of infected mothers.
- Less common modes include direct contact with infected animals or contaminated materials.
- Symptoms:
- Adult animals: Typically experience mild and nonspecific symptoms like fever, diarrhea, and reduced milk production.
- Newborn offspring: More severely affected, often suffering from congenital malformations, stillbirth, and early death. Malformations can involve skeletal, nervous, and muscular systems.
- Impact:
- Can cause significant economic losses to livestock farmers due to reduced productivity, increased mortality, and animal welfare concerns.
- Diagnosis:
- Performed by veterinarians using various methods like blood tests, PCR assays, and virus isolation.
- Treatment:
- No specific treatment available.
- Supportive care and management of symptoms may be provided.
- Prevention:
- Vaccination of pregnant females is the most effective preventive measure, although not always available or fully protective.
- Vector control measures like repellents and insecticide use can reduce midge populations.
- Biosecurity practices to minimize contact with infected animals or materials are crucial.
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