Department of Quality Control, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute. Agricultural Research.Education and Research and Extention Organization. Karaj. Iran
Abstract
Schmallenberg virus (SBV) is an emerging single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Peribunyaviridae family and Orthobunyavirus genus. As an arbovirus (arthropod-borne virus), it causes severe congenital malformations in infected pregnant ruminants, including arthrogryposis, hydranencephaly, scoliosis, cerebellar hypoplasia, and thymus enlargement. The virus was first identified in autumn 2011 when non-specific clinical signs such as fever, diarrhea, and reduced milk production were observed in dairy cattle near Schmallenberg, Germany. Subsequently, between late 2011 and early 2012, an epidemic of abortions and congenital malformations characterized by arthrogryposis and hydranencephaly was reported in calves, lambs, and kids across Europe. The detection of SBV RNA in both aborted and malformed fetuses, along with its presence in Culicoides species, confirmed this novel orthobunyavirus, leading to its naming as Schmallenberg virus. Subsequent studies identified SBV as a teratogenic, arthropod-borne virus affecting domestic ruminants. This narrative review aims to examine the epidemiological, molecular, and clinical progression of SBV since its identification in 2011, based on a systematic search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect databases using relevant keywords. Findings indicate SBV''''''''s high potential for rapid geographical spread, with detection in 3,628 herds across Europe and in Middle Eastern countries including Iran, Turkey, and Iraq by 2012. The virus has caused significant economic losses through severe congenital defects. Molecular analyses reveal SBV to be a reassortant virus with ancestors closely related to Shamonda and Sathuperi viruses. In conclusion, future research priorities should focus on developing effective vaccines, conducting detailed pathogenesis studies, and enhancing national and international surveillance systems to manage the potential re-emergence of this virus.
shamohammadi, M. , lotfi, M. and kamalzade, M. (2026). A Systematic Review of the Emergence and Epidemiology of Schmallenberg Virus (SBV): From Discovery in 2011 to the Current Landscape.. Veterinary Research & Biological Products, 39(2), 2-26.
MLA
shamohammadi, M. , , lotfi, M. , and kamalzade, M. . "A Systematic Review of the Emergence and Epidemiology of Schmallenberg Virus (SBV): From Discovery in 2011 to the Current Landscape.", Veterinary Research & Biological Products, 39, 2, 2026, 2-26.
HARVARD
shamohammadi, M., lotfi, M., kamalzade, M. (2026). 'A Systematic Review of the Emergence and Epidemiology of Schmallenberg Virus (SBV): From Discovery in 2011 to the Current Landscape.', Veterinary Research & Biological Products, 39(2), pp. 2-26.
CHICAGO
M. shamohammadi , M. lotfi and M. kamalzade, "A Systematic Review of the Emergence and Epidemiology of Schmallenberg Virus (SBV): From Discovery in 2011 to the Current Landscape.," Veterinary Research & Biological Products, 39 2 (2026): 2-26,
VANCOUVER
shamohammadi, M., lotfi, M., kamalzade, M. A Systematic Review of the Emergence and Epidemiology of Schmallenberg Virus (SBV): From Discovery in 2011 to the Current Landscape.. Veterinary Research & Biological Products, 2026; 39(2): 2-26.
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