Housing ewes: Many intensive and early lambing flocks are currently housing ewes. Ewes should ideally be housed dry and on a fine day. If scanning results are not available, group ewes on body condition score to target feeding levels to nutritional demands.

It is important to segregate lame ewes and treat before housing or returning/mixing with the main flock. Spreading hydrated lime where sheep stand to eat or drink will help in preventing the spread of lameness. It is also recommended to footbath ewes pre-housing and to implement a regular foot bathing programme during the housing period.

Lower temperatures: Reducing temperatures should signal a few frost warnings. Ensure animals are not restricted access to water. This is especially important where lambs are eating high levels of meals or are on an ad-lib diet.

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Where concrete troughs are disused, or in advance of forecast strong frost, remove water to prevent cracks or troughs breaking. Also top up anti-freeze in tractors/quads.

Schmallenberg Q&A continued (beginning of article here):

What are the issues I should take into account when considering the vaccination of my herd/flock?

A variety of issues need to be considered when coming to the decision whether to vaccinate or not. Firstly, is SBV present in your area and, possibly more importantly, is it likely to be present in the area? In areas where infection has already been confirmed, the animals that become pregnant for the first time (hoggets and heifers) will be at greatest risk.

Assuming the animals will be exposed, will they be at the critical period of pregnancy when that exposure takes place? This was a particular issue for early lambing flocks, and it is likely that the impact will be greatest in early lambing versus later lambing flocks, as the period of greatest exposure to infected midges coincides with the period of susceptibility among the early lambing sheep. Because the breeding season in cattle is not as well demarcated, it is not as likely that as many animals will be at the same stage of pregnancy when they are exposed to the virus.

However, one would also need to take into consideration the potential cost of dealing with delivering a deformed calf or lamb, as there is a higher risk of requiring a caesarean section. Flocks or herds with synchronised breeding programmes are not at higher risk of SBV infection, but if the infection enters such herds at the ‘wrong time’ the impact is likely to be devastating, so vaccination may be a consideration in these units.

Flock/herd owners with high-value cattle and sheep may also take the value of the animals into consideration when they are making the decision to vaccinate or not. Farmers should consult with their own veterinary surgeons who will be able to give advice for their own particular situation.

*Vaccinating ewes for Schmallenberg virus is presently out of farmers control as vaccination must take place at least three weeks before the start of the breeding season. High risk flocks should monitor ewes closely at lambing and approach delayed/difficult lambings with caution.