Health News
New virus from Africa and Oceania spreads in German cattle
Nov 21, 2011, 17:45 GMT
Riems, Germany - A disease rare in German cattle has been provisionally identified by scientists as an orthobunya virus, or one usually found in Africa, Oceania and Australia, scientists said Monday.
The federal animal disease laboratory at Riems said the new disease, dubbed the Schmallenberg virus, had been detected in nine animals in the North Rhine Westphalia state.
Cases were also reported in the Netherlands.
Initial tests suggested that the disease, which causes fever and reduces cows' milk output, is spread by mosquitos.
In Africa and Oceania, the viruses are blamed for causing birth defects in calves and miscarriages in mother cows.
Scientists couldn't say whether the diseased arrived by transport channels, or if it had simply lain dormant in Germany until now.
Past animal health scares have led to import bans of German dairy and beef products.
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