Seroprevalence of Schmallenberg Virus Antibodies among Dairy Cattle, the Netherlands, Winter 2011–2012

• DOI: 10.3201/eid1807.120323
• Publication Date: 2012-05-14T18:10:44Z
• Authors: Armin R.W. Elbers; Willie L.A. Loeffen; Sjaak Quak; Els de Boer-Luijtze; Arco N. van der Spek; Ruth Bouwstra; Riks Maas; Marcel A.H. Spier...; Eric P. de Kluijver; Gerdien van Schaik; Wim H.M. van der ...
• Keywords: Seroprevalence; Orthobunyavirus

Infections with Schmallenberg virus (SBV) are associated congenital malformations in ruminants. Because reporting of suspected cases only could underestimate the true rate infection, we conducted a seroprevalence study Netherlands to detect past exposure SBV among dairy cattle. A total 1,123 serum samples collected from cattle during November 2011-January 2012 were tested for antibodies against by using neutralization test; was 72.5%. Seroprevalence significantly higher central-eastern part than northern and southern regions (p<0.001). In addition, high (70%-100%) within-herd observed 2 SBV-infected herds sheep herds. No significant differences found age-specific prevalence SBV, which is an indication that newly arrived country.