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Occurrence of malformed calves in April - May 2021 indicates an unnoticed 2020 emergence of Schmallenberg virus in Denmark
  • Jorgen Agerholm,
  • Kerstin Wernike
Jorgen Agerholm
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences University of Copenhagen Højbakkegaard Allé 5A DK- 2630 Høje Taastrup Denmark

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Kerstin Wernike
Institute of Diagnostic Virology Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut Südufer 10 17493 Greifswald – Insel Riems Germany
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Abstract

During the European emergence of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) in 2011, examination of Culicoides spp. showed that SBV infected midges were present across Denmark. However, SBV associated malformations in ruminant species have not been reported in Denmark. In April 2021, seven calves with severe congenital generalized arthrogryposis and reduced body weight originating from a narrow region of the Jutlandic peninsula were submitted for examination. Analysis of fetal brain tissue for SBV viral RNA and pleural effusion for fetal anti-SBV antibodies identified SBV as the cause of the congenital syndrome. Backwards calculation from the calving dates indicated the occurrence of an unnoticed emergence of SBV in Denmark from early August 2020 and during the late summer and autumn. As SBV associated malformations may lead to dystocia urging for fetotomy or Cesarean section, veterinarians performing obstetric intervention are first line personnel in recognition of SBV emergence in domestic ruminants.
08 Oct 2021Submitted to Transboundary and Emerging Diseases
12 Oct 2021Submission Checks Completed
12 Oct 2021Assigned to Editor
14 Oct 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
21 Oct 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
05 Nov 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
08 Nov 20211st Revision Received
08 Nov 2021Submission Checks Completed
08 Nov 2021Assigned to Editor
10 Nov 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
17 Nov 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
17 Nov 2021Editorial Decision: Accept
Sep 2022Published in Transboundary and Emerging Diseases volume 69 issue 5 on pages 3128-3132. 10.1111/tbed.14405