EN
The aim of this paper is to summarize and present the most recent data concerning the new emerging disease caused by the so-called Schmallenberg virus, which is spreading to new European countries. The disease has already been reported in Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands, France, Spain, Denmark and Switzerland, and more cases are being reported in different regions of these countries each month. The appearance of the virus has resulted in restrictions on the import of live animals, semen and embryos to currently virus-free countries (Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Ukraine, Turkey, Egypt, Kuwait, Lebanon, Algeria, Jordan, Morocco, Japan, Mexico, Argentina and the USA). The virus belongs to the Simbu-group viruses and is believed to be transmitted by vectors (midges, Culicoides). The infection is mild in adult animals (diarrhea, pyrexia, a decrease in milk yield), but causes abortions and fetal malformations (arthrogryposis, brachygnatia inferior, hydrocephalus). Although the Schmallenberg virus infection may result in economic losses, no vaccine has yet been developed. Because of its status as a new emerging disease and its dynamic development, the spread of the disease and the evolution of its epidemiology must be closely monitored and instantly reported.