IAH starts work on SBV test
The Institute for Animal Health (IAH) has begun investigating the possibility of improved diagnostic tests for the Schmallenberg Virus (SBV). Samples of the SBV have been sent from Germany to the IAH's Pirbright Laboratory in Surrey and research will begin 'imminently' into investigating if midges and mosquitos can become infected by the SBV in the manner of Bluetongue and other viruses.
The Institute's researchers are working with colleagues elsewhere in Europe, particularly the Friedrich Loeffler Institute. The FRI has already provided the nucleic-acid based test (Real-Time RT-PCR), which is already used for other diseases such as African Swine Fever, African Horse Fever, and Bluetongue.
Commenting, Head of the IAH's Vector-borne Diseases Programme Professor Peter Mertens said “We will study this disease and the virus that causes it in a number of ways. One major priority is to put in place reliable test systems, so that we can detect the genomic RNA of the virus and virus specific antibodies. This will allow us, to test and identify infected animals or insects, as well as helping Defra, AHVLA and other stakeholders with what might end up being quite a high volume of samples from suspected cases.”
Expanding on Professor Mertens' statement, Research Leader in Entomology at the IAH Dr Simon Carpenter added “Using insects from our colonies, we will be able to see if midges or mosquitoes can become infected by Schmallenberg virus. This will allow us to tailor our advice to a wide range of stakeholders, including livestock owners who could be affected by the virus in 2012 and also to understand some of the factors driving the outbreaks.”
The preliminary hypothesis is that the disease is a midge-borne virus like Bluetongue, and the IAH hopes that this would allow it to use its existing 'expertise and experience' with Bluetongue to help with SBV. The IAH and the Met Office are already collaborating to track the effect of weather patterns on the spread of the disease, as they did with Bluetongue in 2007.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
