Farmers asked to keep tabs on stock for virus

Farming correspondent

Thursday 9 August 2012

NFU Scotland has asked the Scottish Government to consider active surveillance so livestock keepers can plan ahead should Schmallenberg virus (SBV) move north.

Custom byline text:

Market round-up ROG WOOD

The union believes Scottish livestock farmers would volunteer to be part of the surveillance effort.

The move comes in the wake of work carried out by the Royal Veterinary College and the Institute for Animal Health which looked at the epidemiology of SBV. Their results suggest the virus over-wintered and is circulating now.

Carl Padgett, president of the British Veterinary Association, said: "The fact the virus is circulating now will be of particular concern in those areas that were previously unaffected, as the animals will not have immunity and farmers face the loss of lambs and calves. Today's news underlines the importance of surveillance, monitoring and reporting."Work on a vaccine is progressing well but it is unlikely to be available for some months. In the meantime farmers and vets must continue to share as much information as possible to continue to progress our understanding."SBV was first identified in cattle on German and Dutch farms in 2011, where clinical signs of fever, reduced milk yield, loss of appetite, loss of condition and occasionally diarrhoea were noted. The clinical signs disappeared after a few days, but it was later discovered that where infection of cattle or sheep took place during the early stages of pregnancy, congenital disorders of the foetus, stillbirth and abortion could result.NFUS president Nigel Miller said: "We have suggested to the Scottish Government that we look at using sentinel animals and monitor them for exposure to SBV. Such is the level of concern over the disease that many Scottish farmers, including myself, would happily volunteer to be part of that process and provide stock for testing."Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold seven prime bullocks in Ayr on Tuesday to a top of 216p per kg (twice) and an average of 211.6p, while 10 prime heifers peaked at 204p and levelled at 190.1p. Nine young bulls sold to 219p and averaged 208.9p.Over in the rough ring, 150 beef cows averaged 135.2p, while 133 dairy cows levelled at 112.8p. Five bulls averaged 148.4p.A poor show of five dairy cattle was topped by a B&W heifer at £1580.The firm went on to sell 1049 prime lambs in Newton Stewart yesterday to a top of £90 per head and 210.3p per kg to average 187.7p.The 138 cast sheep forward sold at recent rates with ewes peaking at £94 for Suffolks and £61 for Blackfaces.

Contextual targeting label:

Agriculture

Commenting & Moderation

We moderate all comments on HeraldScotland on either a pre-moderated or post-moderated basis. If you're a relatively new user then your comments will be reviewed before publication and if we know you well then your comments will be subject to moderation only if other users or the moderators believe you've broken the rules, which are available here.

Moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours. Please be patient if your posts are not approved instantly.

Farmers asked to keep tabs on stock for virus

Commenting & Moderation

MOST READ

SPONSORED LINKS

MOST COMMENTED