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FUW Senior Policy Officer Dr Hazel Wright[/caption]
Welsh farmers are urged to be vigilant following the detection of Schmallenberg Virus (SBV) in north Wales and the west of England.
It has been reported that over recent weeks positive tests for Schmallenberg have been confirmed in bulk milk from dairy herds.
According to farm vet Tom Wright, who serves clients in Cheshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire and north Wales, there have also been some positive blood samples reported from cattle and sheep.
Farmers’ Union of Wales Senior Policy Officer Dr Hazel Wright said: “All farmers in Wales need to be on the lookout for any unusually high incidences of abortion or congenital abnormalities – deformed lambs, swollen heads, weak lambs etc.
“There is a strong need to continue to monitor SBV in Wales and to this end livestock farmers should be vigilant and report anything unusual to their private veterinary surgeon.”
There is no known risk to human health from SBV but the advice for pregnant women remains to be cautious around farm animals and to follow strict hygiene procedures, the Union has stressed.