Farmers on Alert: Reporting Schmallenberg Virus Cases

Introduction 

With the calving and lambing season in full swing, farmers across Ireland are being urged to stay vigilant for signs of Schmallenberg virus (SBV)—a disease that can cause severe birth deformities and stillbirths in calves and lambs.

The call comes from regional veterinary laboratories, which have heightened surveillance efforts this spring amid concerns over vector-borne livestock diseases. This follows confirmed Schmallenberg cases in 12 cattle herds and 10 sheep flocks across counties Galway, Offaly, and Cavan. While Schmallenberg is the primary focus, experts are also monitoring the potential risk of bluetongue virus (BTV), another midge-borne disease that could threaten Irish livestock.

Understanding Schmallenberg Virus: What Farmers Need to Know

Schmallenberg virus was first identified in Germany and the Netherlands in 2011 and spread rapidly across Europe, reaching Ireland in 2012. The virus is primarily transmitted by biting midges, which thrive in warm and humid conditions, particularly from late summer to early autumn.

In most cases, adult cattle and sheep infected with the virus show no clear symptoms. However, when pregnant animals are infected in the early stages of gestation, the virus crosses the placenta, leading to severe malformations in the developing foetus.

Symptoms and Impact on Livestock

Schmallenberg virus is a silent but devastating disease, and its most heartbreaking effects are seen during calving and lambing season. Farmers should stay alert for the following signs in their livestock:

1. Stillbirths or Weak Newborns:
One of the first signs of Schmallenberg on a farm is an increase in stillborn calves or lambs. Those that are born alive may appear weak, uncoordinated, or unable to stand and suckle. They might:

• Struggle to lift their heads or latch onto their mother.
• Seem wobbly or unable to control their limbs.
• Fade quickly, even with human intervention.
• Despite farmers' best efforts, many of these newborns do not survive, leading to both financial losses and emotional distress.

2. Severe Birth Deformities:
Schmallenberg can cause serious malformations in calves and lambs, making movement and survival impossible. These include:

• Twisted necks or bent limbs, leaving animals unable to stand.
• Fused joints, meaning they can’t move properly.
• Curved spines, which affect balance and coordination.
• In many cases, these animals have no chance of survival, leaving farmers with the difficult decision to put them down humanely.

3. Brain and Spinal Cord Issues:
Some affected newborns also suffer from neurological damage, which can cause:

• Paralysis or lack of muscle control.
• Head tremors or seizures.
• Blindness or failure to recognise their surroundings.
• These animals often require round-the-clock care but rarely improve, making survival unlikely.

4. Mild Symptoms in Adult Cattle:
Unlike newborns, adult cattle may only show mild, temporary signs of infection, such as:

• Fever for a few days.
• Short-term diarrhoea.
• A drop in milk production.

Infected animals may not survive or require euthanasia due to poor welfare outcomes. This not only causes significant financial losses but also takes an emotional toll on farmers, who invest months of work and care into their livestock.

Schmallenberg in Ireland: 2024 Surveillance Data

Veterinary officials have confirmed 22 outbreaks of Schmallenberg virus so far in 2024, with cases recorded in counties Galway, Offaly, and Cavan.

However, experts believe these numbers may be underreported, as many cases go undiagnosed—especially on farms where stillbirths or deformities are assumed to be natural occurrences rather than the result of viral infection.

By reporting suspected cases and submitting samples for laboratory testing, farmers play a crucial role in building an accurate national disease map—allowing authorities to track and contain the virus more effectively.

Why Veterinary Experts Are Concerned

While Schmallenberg virus is currently the primary concern, veterinary officials are also closely monitoring the potential risk of bluetongue virus (BTV).

Bluetongue is another midge-borne disease that affects sheep, cattle, and goats, causing:

• High fever.
• Swelling of the tongue, lips, and face.
• Mouth ulcers and excessive salivation.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Lameness and muscle stiffness.

Bluetongue has not yet been detected in Ireland in 2024, but given recent outbreaks in parts of Europe, Irish farmers are advised to remain alert and report any unusual illness in their livestock.

Financial and Economic Impact on Farmers

For livestock farmers, the impact of Schmallenberg virus goes far beyond the loss of individual animals. It affects farm finances, breeding cycles, and overall productivity, creating wider economic consequences at both farm and industry levels.

1. Financial Loss from Stillbirths and Non-Viable Animals:
Every stillborn calf or lamb represents months of lost investment. Farmers spend time, resources, and money on breeding, feeding, and caring for pregnant animals, only to see their efforts wasted when Schmallenberg strikes. The loss of even a handful of animals in one season can significantly affect a farm’s income.

2. Increased Veterinary Costs:
While Schmallenberg virus itself has no cure, diagnosing and managing affected animals can lead to higher veterinary costs. Farmers may need to pay for:

Post-mortem examinations to confirm the cause of death
Supportive care for weak newborns, including bottle-feeding and medication
Euthanasia and disposal costs for severely affected animals
These extra expenses add up quickly, placing additional pressure on farm finances.

3. Breeding Setbacks and Productivity Loss:
Schmallenberg doesn’t just cause immediate losses—it also disrupts future productivity. When breeding animals lose pregnancies or produce deformed offspring, farmers are left with:

Fewer replacements for their herd or flock, affecting long-term output
Delayed breeding cycles, which can throw off production schedules
Lower milk yields in dairy farms, as Schmallenberg can impact cows’ milk production
For farms that rely on tight breeding and calving schedules, these setbacks can reduce income for years to come.

4. Emotional and Mental Strain:
Beyond the financial strain, Schmallenberg virus takes a heavy emotional toll on farmers. The stress and frustration of watching multiple animals suffer or die in one season can be overwhelming. Many farmers describe:

A sense of helplessness, knowing there’s no cure or compensation
Emotional exhaustion, especially after nursing sick or deformed animals
Frustration at the unpredictability of outbreaks, making long-term planning difficult
The mental strain of dealing with multiple losses—on top of the usual demands of farming—can take a serious toll on farmers' well-being.

5. No Compensation Scheme for Farmers:
Unlike some other livestock diseases, there is currently no compensation scheme for Schmallenberg-related losses in Ireland. This means farmers must absorb all financial and emotional costs themselves.

Because of this, early detection, reporting, and preventative measures remain the best defence. Farmers who notice unusual deformities or weak newborns should contact their vet or regional veterinary laboratory as soon as possible. Prompt action helps monitor and manage the spread of Schmallenberg virus, ultimately protecting farms and livestock in the long run.

Preventative Measures: Reducing the Risk of Infection

Although there is currently no vaccine available for Schmallenberg virus in Ireland, there are several practical stepsfarmers can take to reduce the risk of infection:

1. Minimise Midge Exposure:

• House pregnant animals at dawn and dusk, when midges are most active.
• Use fans in housing areas, as midges are weak fliers and struggle in strong airflow.
• Manage wet or marshy areas where midges breed.

2. Use Insect Control Methods:

• Apply approved insect repellents to vulnerable animals.
• Consider insecticide-treated nets in housing areas.

3. Monitor Livestock Closely:

• Keep detailed breeding and health records to track pregnancies and detect abnormalities early.
• Submit affected animals for testing to confirm Schmallenberg infection.
  

4. Stay Informed on Disease Alerts:

• Check for updates from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).
• Work closely with your vet to develop a herd/flock health plan.
  

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Ireland’s Livestock Disease Defences

With climate patterns shifting and warmer, wetter conditions lasting longer, Ireland is facing an increasing risk of vector-borne diseases like Schmallenberg. Midge populations—responsible for spreading the virus—are thriving in these milder conditions, extending the window in which livestock can be infected. This means that diseases once considered seasonal threats may become a year-round concern for Irish farmers.

Experts warn that Schmallenberg may not be the only challenge on the horizon. Other midge-borne diseases, such as bluetongue virus (BTV) and epizootic haemorrhagic disease (EHD), have been spreading in parts of Europe, raising concerns about their potential arrival in Ireland.

This is why early detection and swift reporting of suspected cases are more important than ever. The more information veterinary authorities have, the better they can track and contain disease outbreaks, protecting not just individual farms, but the wider agricultural sector. Farmers who report cases help build a clearer national picture, allowing for targeted interventions to keep disease under control.

Tackling these emerging threats will require a joint effort from farmers, vets, researchers, and agricultural authorities. By working together, sharing information, and investing in disease surveillance, Ireland can stay ahead of the risks and ensure the long-term health and productivity of its livestock industry. Protecting herds and flocks today means securing the future of farming for generations to come.

Conclusion

Schmallenberg virus poses a serious challenge to Irish livestock farmers, particularly during the calving and lambing season. The disease’s devastating impact on newborn animals, coupled with financial losses and emotional strain, underscores the urgent need for vigilance and early detection.

By monitoring livestock closely, reporting suspected cases, and implementing preventative measures, farmers can play a vital role in limiting the spread of the virus. With climate change extending midge activity, the risk of vector-borne diseases is likely to grow, making proactive surveillance and industry-wide collaboration more important than ever.

Through cooperation between farmers, vets, and agricultural authorities, Ireland can strengthen its defences against Schmallenberg and other emerging threats, safeguarding the future of the national herd and flock for generations to come. At The Informed Farmer Consultancy, we’re here to support you. If you have concerns or need guidance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch—we’re ready to help you protect your livestock and your livelihood.

*By Anne Hayden MSc., Founder, The Informed Farmer Consultancy.