SCOTTISH research has brought fresh hope in the fight against Schmallenberg disease.
Scientists at Glasgow University’s MRC Centre for Virus Research have worked out how the genetics of the virus, which can cause miscarriages in sheep, can be changed, opening up treatment possibilities.
The disease, which is creeping closer to the Borders with outbreaks reported in Northumberland and Cumbria, can cost farms up to 50 per cent of their lamb flocks, Early lambing breeds such as Suffolks and Charollais appear to be the worst affected.
A vaccine for the disease has been submitted for approval by European regulators