Written question asked by Baroness Byford (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Taylor of Holbeach (Conservative) on Monday, 26 March 2012.

Agriculture: Schmallenberg Virus

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they have taken to inform sheep and cattle farmers about the Schmallenberg virus and about whether it may have any effect on pregnant women during the lambing and calving season.

Answer: We understand the concern of farmers about this disease. We have therefore provided guidance about the Schmallenberg virus (SBV) which is available on the Defra website http://www.defra.gov.uk/animal-diseases/a-z/schmallenberg-virus/ with links to leaflets that can be printed. This information is regularly updated. Risk assessments conducted by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the UK Human Animal Infections and Risk Surveillance Group (HAIRS) suggest that there is a very low likelihood of any risk to public health from exposure to this virus. In Europe, there is no evidence of any clinical signs in people working with infected animals. The Health Protection Agency has provided information for distribution to all farms identified with SBV. Every year we recommend that animal keepers and veterinarians handling animal material, particularly material associated with abortions and still births take sensible precautions to avoid infection. This is particularly important for pregnant women who may be at risk from other diseases of sheep and cattle that are already present in the UK. Additionally, we recommend farmers contact their veterinary surgeon if they encounter cases of ruminant neonates or foetuses which are stillborn, show malformations or are showing nervous disease. We are closely tracking the disease and will continue to work with partners across Europe and the UK to develop our knowledge of the disease.

Secondary information