Schmallenberg virus detected in bovines in Denmark In May 2012,
the new animal disease, Schmallenberg (SBV), has been detected
in Danish bovines. Antibodies against SBV have been detected in
adult bovines, and virus has been detected in a single calf born
with malformations. Virus detected in vectors in Denmark The new
animal disease, Schmallenberg virus (SBV), has been detected in
vectors in Denmark. The vectors are Culicoides midges that were
collected in October 2011. The disease affects cattle, sheep and
goats, where the disease may lead to congenital malformations.
About the virus The Schmallenberg virus is a new virus named
after the location (Schmallenberg in Germany) where it was first
identified. Information on its genome suggests that it is part
of the Simbu serogroup of the Bunyaviridae family, genus
Orthobunyavirus. Viruses belonging to that group are mostly
found in ruminants in Asia, Australia, Africa and the Middle
East (Israel). The viruses are mainly transmitted by mosquitoes
(Culicidae) or m