The detection of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) in the breeding bull semen raised the question of the possibility of venereal transmission of SBV which could result in cost-intensive restrictions in the trade of bovine semen. In order to evaluate the presence of SBV RNA in bovine semen, 131 bull semen samples from four locations in Poland collected between 2013 and 2015 were analysed by RT-PCR for viral RNA. SBV RNA was detected in 5.3% of the samples. The study has revealed that application of an appropriate RNA extraction method is crucial to detect virus excretion via semen.
The Schmallenberg virus (SBV), as a new for Europe Ortobuniaviridae genus member, emerged in Poland in 2012, spreading rapidly across the country. Serological monitoring revealed a continuous increase of seropositivity among farm ruminants; moreover, the virus was detected in the insect vector, i.e. biting midges in different regions. The sylvatic cycle of SBV infections cannot be ruled out due to the detection of SBV antibodies in 24% of free living ruminants. Breeding losses related to SBV infection are difficult to estimate because of the lack of regulations for mandatory notifications. Furthermore specific symptoms associated with congenital malformations in newborns are observed only in a small percentage of intrauterine infections. Due to the current restrictions or bans on the export of animals resulting from SBV infection significant economic losses are recorded. The emergence of a new, never previously detected in Europe arbovirus raises a number of questions about its manner of transmission, vector ecology, the possibility of its spread and prevention as well as control of the diseases.
The study presents the analysis of the findings of 234 post-mortem examinations on free-ranging and captive European bison selectively culled or having fallen between 2008 and 2013 in Białowieża Primeval Forest. Pneumonia, emphysema, nephritis, bodily traumas, and intestinal lesions were observed in 106 (45.3%), 77 (32.9%), 82 (35.0%), 68 (29.1%), and 56 (23.9%) animals respectively and were the most common pathological changes. Almost half of all males (66 out of 140; 47.1%) tested showed some pathological changes of prepuce and penis, described as posthitis or balanoposthitis. Infection with liver fluke (Fasciola hepatico) and lungworm (Dictyocaulns viviparus) was observed macroscopically in 114 (48.7%) and 80 (32.9%) bison respectively. F. hepatico prevalence was associated with the emergence of other liver changes such as hepatitis and cirrhosis (P < 0.001). Similarly, the prevalence of D. viviparus coincided with pneumonia (P = 0.001), changes in the upper respiratory tract (P = 0.04), and emphysema (P < 0.001). Hepatitis, infection with F. hepatico, and pathological lesions in the male and female reproductive tracts were associated with the animals' age. Mechanical injuries, caused by other bison or less commonly by traffic accidents, were the most common cause of death of bison below six months of age. Most pathological changes were significantly more frequent in the selectively culled animals in comparison with the ones having fallen, which confirms the desirability of elimination as a tool to improve the health and welfare of the bison population and limit the number of reservoirs of invasive and possibly infectious diseases.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) specific antibodies in ruminants from 13 Polish provinces, sampled between January 2010 and August 2013. A total number of 1813 serum samples from cattle, sheep, goats, mouflon, wild and farmed cervids, and European bison were tested by ELISA for viral nucleoprotein antibodies. First SBV seropositive animals were identified in August 2012 (1.6%), and the percentage increased gradually, reaching 57.1% in December of this year. The proportion of seropositive animals in 2013 at the level of 34.2% increased tenfold in comparison to 2012 (3.4%), which was particularly significant at the level of individual provinces. In 2013, the highest percentages of SBV seropositive animals were found in Dolnoslaskie (92.3%), Podlaskie (82.3%), and Zachodniopomorskie (80.9%) provinces. Significant associations between the seroprevalence and province of origin, month, ruminant species, and insect vector activity were found, while no dependence of animal age on seropositivity was observed. The differences between SBV seropositive large and small ruminants suggested the involvement of some vector exposure factors, which needs to be further investigated.