TWO farms in Jersey have had animals test positive for a new disease, which only emerged recently.
Shamonda virus first appeared in Europe earlier this year and, in August, it was discovered in the Island – the first time it had been found in the British Isles.
The virus is spread by Culicoides midges biting livestock and it passing into the animal’s blood stream.
It belongs to the same virus group as Schmallenberg virus and has also been found in animals like horses, sheep and goats.
Infected cattle may experience a fever, diarrhoea, lethargy and reduced milk production. There are fears an infected cow’s calves could be born with abnormalities.
States vet Susana Ramos said: “There is currently no evidence that Shamonda virus poses a risk to human health or food safety.”
Since symptoms are similar to other cattle disease, Ms Ramos said the virus’ identification “highlights the importance of the Island’s disease surveillance and monitoring programmes”.
She added: “Livestock keepers and horse owners are encouraged to remain vigilant and to contact their veterinary surgeon if they observe unusual illness, reproductive problems, abortions, congenital abnormalities, or neurological signs in their animals.”
Andrew Le Gallais, owner of Cowley Farm in Maufant, said: “It’s not a serious issue for the industry or the future of our pedigree cattle.”
He praised the “significant involvement” of the States vet in working with dairy farmers to try to understand the disease and said that dairy farmers had met the States vet where “frank questions” were asked.
He added: “The relationship between the dairy industry and the States vet has never been better.”
