The risk of reintroduction - recirculation of Schmallenberg virus in Belgium in 2012.

The Scientific Committee is of the opinion that the risk of reintroduction/recirculation is very high but the impact will be largely dependent upon the in-herd and between-herd seroprevalence. Therefore it is very important to gain knowledge on the seroprevalence of the Belgian livestock. Preliminary results indicate that the seroprevalence can be up to 70% (Netherlands). If such a high seroprevalence is also present in Belgium, circulation of SBV during the vector season 2012 and accompanying clinical symptoms will probably be minimal. 
Regarding the surveillance for SBV during the vector season 2012, the Scientific Committee proposes to base it on 3 pillars