Since Schmallenberg virus (SBV) was confirmed in England on January 23, Federated Farmers has been in contact with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry for assurance of its biosecurity preparedness.

"SBV is a new animal disease that was only isolated in Europe last November," says Dr William Rolleston, Federated Farmers Biosecurity spokesperson.

"The virus is carried by midges and potentially mosquitos, but none of the species thought to carry SBV are present in New Zealand.

"The disease was discovered in the Netherlands and Germany but is now in France, Belgium and the United Kingdom.

"Of the 52 British cases as of last Friday, 49 have been for sheep and three for cattle. In the Netherlands, as of 9 February, SBV was found in 88 sheep, five goat and three cattle farms. There seems to be a skew towards sheep and goats, but all ruminants are at risk.

"The British Veterinary Association says SBV causes, "congenital deformities and nervous defects are seen in newborn lambs, goat kids and calves. Clinical signs in affected cattle include pyrexia (fever), milk drop and diarrhoea".

"Any risk to human health is likely to be very low according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

"New Zealand has faced and kept out similar threats such as Blue Tongue. That disease, which affects mostly cattle, is also carried by the same species of midge known to carry SBV.

"Again, it is not a species of midge currently present in New Zealand.

"SBV is another example of why biosecurity is so vital to New Zealand's economy. Like farmers, we know MAF is watching developments in Europe very closely," Dr Rolleston concluded.