A New Zealand animal health expert thinks there's little chance of a new livestock disease that's spreading through Europe reaching this country, and believes related diseases may be more of a threat.
Schmallenberg virus was identified in Europe in November, and has now been found in sheep, cattle and goats in the Netherlands, Germany, France, Belgium and the UK.
It has been confirmed on more than 70 farms in England.
The disease can cause birth defects and miscarriages in livestock.
The Ministry of Agriculture has told Federated Farmers that it's keeping a close watch on developments in Europe.
But Roger Morris, formerly Professor of Animal Health at Massey University and now an international consultant, doesn't think Schmallenberg virus poses a big threat to New Zealand.
He says New Zealand is more at risk from related diseases such as Akabane virus, which occurs in Asia.
The insect thought to carry the disease, a type of midge, is not present in New Zealand, but Roger Morris says that with global warming taking place the risk is that insect carriers of the disease will spread more widely.
