The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has concluded in a preliminary report that the number of vectors and the temperature have an impact on the possible spread of the virus in a susceptible animal population. However, there is lack of data on many aspects, such as how likely animals are to become immune. Another preliminary assessment concludes that there is currently no evidence that the virus could cause illness in humans.

The preliminary report presented by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on the likely scenarios on how a new virus, referred to as the “Schmallenberg” virus, could spread amongst animals in the coming months, concludes that the number of vectors and the temperature have an impact on the possible spread of the virus in a susceptible animal population. Nevertheless, there is lack of data on many aspects, such as how likely animals are to become immune. EFSA stressed the importance of this data as scientific knowledge of related viruses indicates that animals can develop strong immunity following exposure to the virus which will have an impact on the way the virus can spread.

The virus is believed to be a part of the Simbu serogroup of viruses transmitted by midges and mosquitoes and therefore it is likely that the new virus is transmitted in the same way. However, the possibility of direct animal-to-animal transmission, although unlikely, cannot be excluded at this stage. On the other hand, a preliminary assessment by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) concluded that there is currently no evidence that the virus could cause illness in humans. EFSA has announced that it continues to liaise with ECDC in order to closely monitor possible public health impact and will address areas of concern for human health, should these arise.

EFSA will provide an overall assessment of the impact of the virus infection on animal health, animal production and animal welfare together with a state-of-the-art review on what is known about the virus by June 2012. Moreover, the Commission recently presented a new strategy to improve animal welfare. In order to assess the impact of the virus at EU level and its possible further spread, surveillance data are needed from all EU Member States.