The CFIA is closely monitoring the emergence of the Schmallenberg virus in ruminant livestock in Europe.
The Schmallenberg virus belongs to a group of viruses that is transmitted by vectors (that is, ticks, midges and biting flies). This makes direct animal-to-animal transmission unlikely. In Europe, it appears to be causing non-specific symptoms (fever, diarrhea, reduced milk yield, etc.) and birth defects in ruminants.
There is no evidence to date that indicates the virus is associated with any human illness.