The European Food Safety Authority has published its overall assessment of the impact of infection by the so-called Schmallenberg virus (SBV) on animal health, animal production and animal welfare.
No cases of the virus were found in Ireland.
The authority says that following its first detection in Germany in 2011, the situation in the EU by mid May 2012 was that SBV has been reported in 3,745 holdings, with cases confirmed by laboratory testing in eight countries.
The EFSA concludes that the impact of this animal disease on holdings does not exceed 4% for sheep or 2% for cattle within the European Union.
In terms of how the virus is transmitted, there is no evidence of any other route of transmission other than from mother to offspring through the placenta or vector borne routes such as that of the Culicoides obsoletus biting midge.
EFSA noted in particular recent results that have identified SBV where the Culicoides obsoletus is found.
Some research data suggest that the Culicoides obsoletus group is widespread in Europe; however more comprehensive, harmonised datasets are required.
The authority reviewed those animal species most susceptible to the virus, noting that it has been detected in cattle, sheep, goats and a bison.
SBV antibodies have been detected in deer but no other species are known to be affected.
The EFSA reiterated that new studies support the initial assessment undertaken by the European Center for Disease Control and Prevention, indicating that it is very unlikely that SBV poses a risk to humans.
