Schmallenberg virus: research on viral circulation in Brazil

Schmallenberg virus (SBV— Orthobunyavirus serogroup Simbu) is an emerging RNA vector-borne virus which has an important impact in animal health within Europe, and some Asian and African countries. It is mainly reported in ruminants, causing congenital malformations and stillbirths. However, there are no studies regarding the occurrence, diagnosis, or surveillance of SBV in Brazil, due to the lack of diagnostic techniques available so far. This study aimed to implement a reliable diagnostic technique able to detect the SBV in Brazil and also to investigate occurrence of the virus in this country. A molecular technique, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), was used to analyze 1665 bovine blood samples and 313 aborted fetuses, as well as 596 serum samples were analyzed by serological analysis. None of the blood and fetus samples analyzed was positive for SBV, and neither serum samples were reactive for antibodies anti-SBV. Thus, although Brazil presents suitable conditions for the dissemination of the SBV, results of the present study suggest that SBV did not propagate in the analyzed bovine population.