APHA: Schmallenberg virus (SBV) surveillance

The APHA surveillance network recorded several cases of deformed stillborn lambs and calves associated with SBV infection in the 2024/25 lambing and calving season.

APHA will continue to offer free-of-charge testing into 2026 (following discussion with a Veterinary Investigation Officer*) on samples from lambs, kids, and calves born with arthrogryposis, or other musculoskeletal deformities. A fresh brain sample (brain stem is preferred) will be tested free of charge (FOC) if submitted to APHA.

*Please contact your local VIC for more information and to discuss appropriate sampling, or the submission of a fetus with placenta. The submission of a fetus and placenta may be preferable to enable investigation of other causes of abortion, in addition to SBV being tested for without additional charge.

The detection of the virus in brain tissue is dependent on the stage of gestation that the fetus became infected, and therefore a PCR test may be negative despite SBV involvement. Therefore, in addition, serum samples can also be submitted from up to 6 cows/heifers or 6 ewes, including the dams of aborted calves/lambs, to test for antibodies to SBV.

Further information: Schmallenberg virus – GOV.UK.
Information on investigating small ruminant abortions can also be found in this focus article in the Veterinary Record: Investigating abortions in small ruminants (2020) Veterinary Record 186, 116-117