Lamb virus is not a threat to humans, says food watchdog

A VIRUS that has killed lambs and cattle does not pose a danger to humans, the Food Standards Agency has said.

Its statement will be welcomed by farmers, many of whom are concerned that consumers may turn their back on British lamb.

It came as the number of farms affected by the Schmallenberg virus, which causes birth defects and miscarriages in livestock, yesterday increased to 83.

The Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency said that the virus had been detected in 78 cases in sheep and five in cattle, on farms across southern and eastern England.

The FSA said: ‘Based on current evidence, there is unlikely to be any risk to consumers through the food chain from the virus that is causing abnormalities in livestock. No illness has been reported in humans exposed to animals infected with the Schmallenberg virus.

‘Consumers should continue to follow the normal food hygiene precautions when handling, preparing and cooking all foods to reduce the risk of illness from harmful micro-organisms.’

The virus first emerged in the Netherlands and Germany last year, causing mild to moderate symptoms in adult cattle, including reduced milk yield, and stillbirth and birth deformities in sheep, goats and cattle.

The AHVLA said none of the affected farms reported import-- ing animals last year from affected areas in Europe.

A spokesman for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said that the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control had also reported it was unlikely that the virus, which is thought to be spread by midges, would cause disease in humans.

Malcolm Bennett, professor of veterinary pathology at Liverpool University, added: ‘The economic and social effects of the disease for farmers whose animals are infected are still to be seen.

‘The main effect in sheep is on unborn lambs, so only now, as we enter the peak period for lambing, are we beginning to see the extent and severity of the disease.’