Epizootiology of the schmallenberg virus in Poland

Abstract

The Schmallenberg virus (SBV), as a new for Europe Ortobuniaviridae genus member, emerged in Poland in 2012, spreading rapidly across the country. Serological monitoring revealed a continuous increase of seropositivity among farm ruminants; moreover, the virus was detected in the insect vector, i.e. biting midges in different regions. The sylvatic cycle of SBV infections cannot be ruled out due to the detection of SBV antibodies in 24% of free living ruminants. Breeding losses related to SBV infection are difficult to estimate because of the lack of regulations for mandatory notifications. Furthermore specific symptoms associated with congenital malformations in newborns are observed only in a small percentage of intrauterine infections. Due to the current restrictions or bans on the export of animals resulting from SBV infection significant economic losses are recorded. The emergence of a new, never previously detected in Europe arbovirus raises a number of questions about its manner of transmission, vector ecology, the possibility of its spread and prevention as well as control of the diseases.