New livestock virus detected in Ireland

THE midge-borne Shamonda virus for which there is currently no treatment, was detected in cattle in Ireland for the first time last week.

A private lab in Cork reported positive tests from two local farms. More cases are expected as testing continues.

The Shamonda virus mainly affects cattle, but has also been detected across Europe in sheep, goats, horses and alpacas. While dairy herds often show the most obvious clinical signs due to a sharp drops in milk production, beef and other cattle are fully susceptible.

Though many adult animals experience only a mild illness farmers have reported drops in milk yield in dairy cattle from 30 litres to five.

Affected cattle may develop fever, diarrhoea, lethargy, reduced milk production and mild respiratory signs. Abortions and congenital defects are also possible, similar to Schmallenberg virus.

The virus had previously only been found in parts of Africa and in Japan before reaching Europe this year.

The first cases of the disease on the continent were detected in July in France, Germany and Switzerland.

The Department of Agriculture has been monitoring its spread since.

Similar to bluetongue, transmission occurs primarily through biting midges, although it can also be transmitted to offspring during gestation. Abortions have also been documented in infected cattle.

The department stressed there is currently “no evidence of Shamonda virus causing clinical disease in humans”.

Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon TD said: “The main concern is for pregnant animals, where infection may cause pregnancy loss.”

No vaccine is currently available for the Shamonda virus and there is no treatment to eliminate the disease.

The North’s Agriculture Minister has also advised farmers there to be alert.

The Shamonda virus is not a notifiable disease, is not subject to existing controls and there are no movement restrictions or impacts on trade.

“Coming on the back of the emergence of Bluetongue last year, which is another midge borne virus, it is essential farmers and horse owners are alive to both viruses and familiarise themselves with the symptoms,” the North’s minister Andrew Muir said.

“Whilst there is no evidence of the virus in Northern Ireland, farmers and horse owners should remain aware of unusual illness in their animals and contact their private veterinary practitioner if they have concerns.”

Meanwhile, the Republic’s Minister for Agriculture reminded livestock owners about the importance of vaccinating cattle and sheep in combatting bluetongue virus (BTV).

BLUETONGUE

Martin Heydon explained that BTV vaccination can reduce the impact and severity of bluetongue in livestock and in that way mitigate both animal health and welfare and the production losses which infection may cause.

The Minister particularly urges sheep farmers to “seriously consider vaccinating their flocks in consultation with their private veterinary practitioner.”

For farmers who have vaccinated their cattle this year, Deputy Heydon says it is important to consider vaccination for calves born after the herd was vaccinated earlier in the year as “maternal antibodies wane”.

“For those herds which received the full vaccination course this year, farmers should consult with their veterinary practitioner about when a booster vaccination should be administered next year,” is the advice from the department.

New cases of bluetongue were detected in Dublin, Meath, Roscommon, Longford, and Waterford last week.

BTV has also been detected in sheep.

The Department reminds farmers the midge that carries the bluetongue virus can travel to up to 150km on the wind.

“Recent detections of bluetongue highlight the importance of submitting unexplained mortalities and samples from animals with suspected clinical signs for veterinary investigation,” the minister said.