Survey to determine the farm-level impact of Schmallenberg virus during the 2016-2017 United Kingdom lambing season

Stokes, Jessica Eleanor ORCID: 0000-0003-3265-2655, Tarlinton, Rachael Eugenie, Lovatt, Fiona, Baylis, Matthew ORCID: 0000-0003-0335-187X, Carson, Amanda and Duncan, Jennifer Sarah ORCID: 0000-0002-1370-3085 (2018) Survey to determine the farm-level impact of Schmallenberg virus during the 2016-2017 United Kingdom lambing season. VETERINARY RECORD, 183 (22). 690-.

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/vr.104866

Abstract

Schmallenberg virus (SBV) causes abortions, stillbirths and fetal malformations in naïve ruminants. The impact of the initial outbreak (2011/2012) on British sheep farms has been previously investigated, with higher farmer perceived impacts and increased lamb and ewe mortality reported on SBV-affected farms. After several years of low, or no, circulation the UK sheep flock once again became vulnerable to SBV infection. Re-emergence was confirmed in autumn 2016. This study reports the analysis of a questionnaire designed to determine the farm-level impact of SBV on the 2016/2017 UK lambing period. Higher neonatal lamb mortality, dystocia and associated ewe deaths, and higher perceived impacts on sheep welfare, flock financial performance and farmer emotional wellness were reported on SBV confirmed (n=59) and SBV suspected (n=82), than SBV not suspected (n=74) farms. Additionally, although few farmers (20.4 per cent) reported previously vaccinating against SBV, the majority (78.3 per cent) stated they would vaccinate if purchasing at less than £1 per dose. These results are largely comparable to the findings reported for the 2011/2012 outbreak, highlighting the ongoing impact of SBV on sheep farms. If SBV continues to re-emerge cyclically, the economic and animal welfare costs to the UK sheep farming industry will continue.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Animals, Sheep, Orthobunyavirus, Bunyaviridae Infections, Sheep Diseases, Disease Outbreaks, Pregnancy, Female, Surveys and Questionnaires, United Kingdom, Farms
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	11 Oct 2018 11:12
Last Modified:	19 Jan 2023 01:14
DOI:	10.1136/vr.104866
Open Access URL:	http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/vr.104866
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3027409