SCHMALLENBERG Virus infection has been confirmed in malformed lambs from two Scottish flocks close to the border with England in the past two weeks, SAC consulting veterinary services has reported.

But Vet services head George Caldow voiced some optimism that these cases are not the frontrunners of a serious outbreak: “It can be difficult to predict how widespread any infection will turn out to be, but there are some important points that give us an indication of the likely impact that SBV infection will have this spring on Scottish livestock.

"In winter 2016-2017, SRUC vets have not diagnosed SBV in either early lambing flocks in Scotland or in all year round calving dairy herds in Scotland," he explained. "It is therefore inferred that at the time of maximum midge activity in 2016 there was unlikely to have been SBV present in the midges in Scotland, otherwise we would have seen cases in these two categories of animals.

“The midge population progressively declines as we move in to winter and midge numbers will have been low during the time of maximum vulnerability of the main Scottish spring lambing flock, which is likely to have been December and January. Therefore it may be that only small number of ewes will have been infected with few affected lambs being born and these are more likely to be in flocks in the southernmost part of the country.”

Nevertheless, National Sheep Association regional chairman John Fyall urged farmers to be on their guard: "Schmallenberg is really a ticking timebomb, if the weather conditions were right. I would urge producers to report any suspected cases of the disease to their local vets, so that we are aware of the situation, and can get a proper handle on it.

"The situation also highlights the need for these regional vet labs, and that we cannot let our guard down at all when it comes to animal health. We cannot be complacent."

Looking ahead, SAC consulting vets expect the higher risk will be to cattle mated in the summer of 2017 and at the edge of the northward progression of infected midges. As in previous outbreaks, it may be that only very limited spread of infected midges will occur in Scotland.

NFU Scotland animal health policy manager Penny Johnston commented: “With SBV discovered in the Borders we urge keepers to remain vigilant and report any suspicions of the disease. With infection possible in late 2016, keepers should be aware of the risk of deformities in lambs and calves and be prepared for problems during lambing and calving.

"They should keep the risk of SBV in mind and be prepared to intervene and call in the vet earlier than you might normally, particularly if there are previous symptoms of milk drop, inappetence, diarrhoea and fever.

“The current cases of SBV relate to ‘historic’ infection and it is difficult to know its true extent," added Ms Johnston. "As we move into the summer and high midge activity season, beware of the risk of importing animals from areas where SBV may be circulating. Move animals during the low risk season if possible and as knowledge of where SBV is circulating builds, take precautions if importing animals from those regions.”