Food firms cautious over Schmallenberg virus

29-Feb-2012 - Last updated on 29-Feb-2012 at 15:08 GMT

The Schmallenberg virus is thought to pose a minimal risk to humans

Food manufacturers have adopted a cautious approach to the Schmallenberg virus, which causes abnormalities to livestock, despite the Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) claim that the scare poses a minimal risk to humans via the food chain.

Food firms told FoodManufacture.co.uk that they would be monitoring the situation closely to ensure any vital information and advice was adopted as soon as legally required.

The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) said: “The current scientific opinion from the European Food Safety Authority is that the Schmallenberg virus poses a negligible risk to human health. The animal products, such as meat or milk, do not pose a risk of disease transmission.

“The FDF is monitoring closely the developments in the UK, and the EU, to ensure that any relevant information, including the most up to date advice from the Food Standards Agency and the European Commission, is reported to members.”

Abnormalities in livestock

The virus causes abnormalities to livestock, including reduced milk yield, stillbirth and deformities in new born cattle, goats and sheep.

It has so far affected 83 farms across the UK, with 78 cases detected in sheep and five in cattle, according to latest figures from the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency.

But yesterday (February 27) the FSA moved to reassure the public that the virus did not pose a major threat to humans.

“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,”an FSA statement revealed.

Carried by midges

“No illness has been reported to date in humans exposed to animals infected with the Schmallenberg virus, which is thought to be carried by midges. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has also stated the virus is unlikely to cause disease in humans.”

However, the FSA has instructed consumers to follow the normal food hygiene precautions when handling, preparing and cooking all foods to reduce the risk of illness from harmful microorganisms.

The Schmallenberg virus is named after the small German town where it was first detected last summer. The disease is thought to have been brought to Britain by midges from affected areas in Europe.

The first UK cases in lambs were confirmed in January this year by the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency.