A pen side test for Schmallenberg virus exposure in sheep and cattle.

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Since its emergence in 2011, Schmallenberg virus (SBV) has spread across most of the European continent. The virus causes a mild disease in adult sheep and cattle (fever, reduced milk yield and diarrhoea). However if an animal is infected during pregnancy, resultant offspring can have severe deformities. SBV is spread by biting midges making efforts to control it very difficult. The economic impact of SBV has been significant with some sheep farmers losing more than 30% of their lambs as well as lost milk production for dairy farmers. With a vaccine launch in the near future, control of SBV becomes possible, however farmers will have to make an economic decision as to whether the cost of vaccination outweighs the losses they are experiencing. This project will focus on developing cost-effective tests that can be used by farmers or vets to see whether animals are likely to be protected against infection. This information can be used to decide whether or not vaccination of some or all of the herd or flock is necessary. The tests will also be useful for confirming whether SBV is responsible for any deformed offspring before embarking on more expensive post mortem tests. This project will also produce information as to which parts of SBV stimulate a strong immune response. This is essential for developing refined vaccines and diagnostic tests. These tools will allow animals that have antibodies as a result of vaccination to be distinguished from animals that have been infected with SBV. This information will be vital for livestock exporters to regain access to markets outside of the EU that have implemented trade bans due to SBV. It will also allow monitoring of whether infection is occurring despite the use of vaccines.