Dead lambs pictured on a Tyrone farm all suspected to have the Schmallenberg virus.
ADVERTISEMENT
While the number of confirmed cases of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) remains quite low, this contrasts with anecdotal evidence from farms, which suggests that the virus has been prevalent in early lambing flocks this year, particularly in the west and south of the country.
On cattle farms, given that cows are at risk in the third to fifth month of pregnancy, it might be later this month before cases emerge in calves.
A vaccine is available, manufactured by Zoetis. However, it is understood that the use-by date on current stocks is this summer. Given the low uptake of the vaccine in recent years, unless farmers show an increased appetite to use the product now, Zoetis might not make new stocks.
ADVERTISEMENT
In sheep, 1ml of the vaccine should be administered in one shot, at least 14 days prior to breeding. It offers protection for up to six months. The cost is around £2.40 per dose. In cattle, two shots (2ml each time) are required, three weeks apart, and will protect for 12 months.
This content is available to digital subscribers and loyalty code users only. Sign in to your account, use the code or subscribe to get unlimited access.
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
CODE ACCEPTED
You have full access to the site until next Wednesday at 9pm.
CODE NOT VALID
Please try again or contact support.
While the number of confirmed cases of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) remains quite low, this contrasts with anecdotal evidence from farms, which suggests that the virus has been prevalent in early lambing flocks this year, particularly in the west and south of the country.
On cattle farms, given that cows are at risk in the third to fifth month of pregnancy, it might be later this month before cases emerge in calves.
A vaccine is available, manufactured by Zoetis. However, it is understood that the use-by date on current stocks is this summer. Given the low uptake of the vaccine in recent years, unless farmers show an increased appetite to use the product now, Zoetis might not make new stocks.
In sheep, 1ml of the vaccine should be administered in one shot, at least 14 days prior to breeding. It offers protection for up to six months. The cost is around £2.40 per dose. In cattle, two shots (2ml each time) are required, three weeks apart, and will protect for 12 months.
If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please call us on 01-4199525.
Link sent to your email address
We have sent an email to your address. Please click on the link in this email to reset your password. If you can't find it in your inbox, please check your spam folder. If you can't find the email, please call us on 01-4199525.
ENTER YOUR LOYALTY CODE:
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
SHARING OPTIONS