Serological Evidence for Schmallenberg Virus Infection in Sheep of Portugal, 2014.

Between November and December of 2014, a serosurvey was set up to evaluate the presence of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) antibodies in sheep of Portugal. Sera ( n = 1068) were tested using an indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ID Screen® Schmallenberg virus indirect, IDvet Innovative Diagnostics, Montpellier, France). The estimated occurrence of immunogobulin G (IgG) antibodies against SBV in sheep of Portugal was 12.8% (95% confidence interval 11.0-15.0%). This is the first study reporting the presence of SBV antibodies in sheep of Portugal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]