Impacts of schmallenberg virus in ruminant production: Literature review

Abstract

The objective was to gather relevant information on the Schmallenberg, which is an emerging viral disease on the European continent, which was first identified in Germany. Abortions, fetal malformations, and perinatal deaths are also associated with the virus, mainly arthrogryposis and changes in the central nervous system. Transmission may occur via a vector, Culicoides spp., semen or transplacental transmission. Diagnosis is made via reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with commercial kits available, or indirect immunofluorescence and virus neutralization tests. As there is still no effective treatment, prevention and control measures are important, acting in the fight against vectors or in the vaccination of the herd. Due to the importance of this disease in the world scenario, it is relevant to encourage research on this topic, in addition to raising the awareness of the people involved in the production of ruminants in Brazil.