Hello All,
Just seen on my local news in East Anglia, the virus affecting cattle & sheep called Schmallenberg (after the town in Germany). It was announced that most of this region was affected by the midges coming over from the continent, and spreading into parts of the UK.
As it is lambing season here, it was shocking to see a dead lamb on t.v. I just wondered if anyone has heard of this disease from DFRA
J
There has been lots of stuff on the farming programmes on the radio and in the farming press about it and we are all watching out as lambing gets underway in earnest. There has been one case confirmed in the West Country but most cases are in eastern counties.
In my opinion it's one more indication that climate change is beginning to have an effect as insects and smaller organisms are edging north.
Schmallenberg is believed to be a "new" disease but as the mix of vectors (in this case insects), viruses and bacteria is being stirred up by changes in weather patterns and increased globe trotting we have no idea what may develop.
Jenni
God gave us two ears and one mouth for a very good reason!
Thanks Jenni & Merlin,
It was also on Countryfile on the weekend. Could they have a vaccine for this disease?
No vaccine yet probably be quite a while before one is developed.