Prevention of Schmallenberg virus
- Nigel Gibbens, Chief Veterinary Officer
- Defra, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR
- e-mail nigel.gibbens{at}defra.gsi.gov.uk
FOLLOWING the recent emergence of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) in northern Europe, Chris Lewis raises the issue of potentially importing disease and banning the movement of livestock (VR, January 28, 2012, vol 170, p 107).
The ability to trade live animals within the UK and the EU is of great benefit to the farming industry. The decision to restrict trade is taken at EU level, and is never taken lightly. In the case of SBV, this is an emerging disease and there are still many …
