Schmallenberg virus in the UK

Schmallenberg Virus (SBV) was first identified in late 2011 in German cattle and is transmitted by the insect vector Culicoides. Although adults present asymptomatically, if infected during a specific period of gestation, vertical transmission of SBV can occur, causing congenital defects in the young. Currently, there are no specific treatment for SBV in sheep. While vaccines were developed in 2018, they were later taken off the market because of a decline in uptake. SBV can have catastrophic economic impacts on a farming business through the loss of lambs and adult sheep. The virus can tolerate a range of climates and is able to overwinter within the vector. This article provides a detailed literature review on SBV, including information regarding transmission, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and economic impact. Although this literature review contains valuable information regarding the disease, it has highlighted that more thorough research is required to understand the virus better.