A VIRAL ‘outbreak’ has reportedly been causing difficulties for many of Herefordshire’s farmers.

Belmont Farm and Equine Vets say they have been called to a large number of farms where lambs have been found suffering from the currently untreatable Schmallenberg Virus (SBV).

The virus causes congenital defects and stillbirths in cattle, sheep, goats, and possibly alpacas. First detected in 2011, it is thought to be transmitted by midges which are likely to have been most active in spreading the infection in Herefordshire in the summer and autumn of last year, with the effects of the disease now becoming visible as lambing season begins and livestock start to give birth.

According to the Herefordshire vets, the disease often results in lambs being born with fused legs and twisted necks, frequently resulting in lambs being dead at birth, with the living having to be euthanised.

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We Are Farming Minds have said that they will be on hand to support anyone who has found themselves struggling as a result of the outbreak.

“It’s sadly turning out to be a very difficult time for many of our clients who are lambing at the moment,” a spokesperson for Belmont Farm and Equine Vets said.

“Whilst we do not believe the virus is currently circulating or spreading as midge populations have fallen with cooler weather, the impact of exposure to Schmallenberg virus is likely to just be starting to be felt.

“There sadly is little that can be done in the face of an ‘outbreak’ but we would like our clients to be prepared that there may be an increase in barren rate, lower scanning percentages than expected and an increase in deformed calves and lambs born this year.

“While lambing time is always tiring and stressful, the significant worry of the presence of this disease significantly adds to the pressure that farmers and their families are feeling.

“If you want to discuss how to test for Schmallenberg in your flock or herd or any aspect of this further please do give one of our offices a call and our vets will be very happy to assist in any way they can.”