Preliminary Survey on the Impact of Schmallenberg Virus on Sheep Flocks in South of Belgium

Between late February and May 2012, a preliminary anonym survey was conducted among sheep farmers in south of Belgium in order to contribute to future estimations of the economic losses caused by Schmallenberg virus (SBV). Based on clinical signs consistent with SBV infection, this survey involved 13 meat sheep flocks considered as positive flocks with subsequent SBV detection by RT‐qPCR [SBV‐positive flocks (PF); total of 961 animals], and 13 meat sheep flocks considered as negative flocks (NF; total of 331 animals). These preliminary results indicated several significant characteristics that were more present in PF than in NF. These include an increased rate of abortions (6.7% in PF versus 3.2% in NF), of lambs born at term but presenting malformations (10.1% in PF versus 2.0% in NF) and of dystocia (10.1% in PF versus 3.4% in NF). Lamb mortality during the first week of life was reported more frequently in PF (8 of 13 PF, 61.5%) than in NF (1 of 13 NF, 7.7%). In PF, the observed prolificacy rate was 2‐fold lower (93%) than expected (186%). The implementation of a survey at larger scale, including a high number of breeders, is necessary to allow a more detailed analysis of the SBV impact in the sheep sector.     

Distribution of Schmallenberg Virus and Seroprevalence in Belgian Sheep and Goats

A serological survey to detect Schmallenberg virus (SBV)‐specific antibodies by ELISA was organized in the Belgian sheep population to study the seroprevalence at the end of the epidemic. One thousand eighty‐two sheep samples which were collected from 83 herds all over Belgium between November 2011 and April 2012 were tested. The overall within‐herd seroprevalence and the intraclass correlation coefficient were estimated at 84.31% (95% CI: 84.19–84.43) and 0.34, respectively. The overall between‐herd seroprevalence was 98.03% (95% CI: 97.86–98.18). A spatial cluster analysis identified a cluster of six farms with significantly lower within‐herd seroprevalence in the south of Belgium compared with the rest of the population (P = 0.04). It was shown that seroprevalence was associated to flock density and that the latter explained the presence of the spatial cluster. Additionally, 142 goat samples from eight different herds were tested for SBV‐specific antibodies. The within‐herd seroprevalence in goats was estimated at 40.68% (95% CI: 23.57–60.4%). The results of the current study provided evidence that almost every Belgian sheep herd has been in contact with SBV during 2011 and should be taken into consideration as part of comprehensive SBV surveillance and control strategies.     

Serosurvey on Schmallenberg Virus and Selected Ovine Reproductive Pathogens in Culled Ewes From Southern Spain

After the first case of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) was reported in southern Spain (March 2012), a retrospective serological study was carried out in extensive sheep flocks from nearby areas to assess the history of exposure to SBV and other selected ovine reproductive pathogens (Chlamydophila abortus, Coxiella burnetii, Border Disease virus ‘BDV’, Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum). Secondly, the presence of antibodies was investigated in meat juice samples against selected pathogens to validate their use in serosurveys in sheep. A total of 209 Merina and cross‐bred culled ewes belonging to 12 outdoor flocks managed in extensive breeding systems were sampled. Serum and meat juice samples were collected at the slaughterhouse and analysed using commercial ELISA kits. Chlamydophila abortus (62.68%, CI₉₅ 56.13–69.23) and Toxoplasma gondii (57.42%, CI₉₅ 50.72–64.12) were the most prevalent pathogens. The seroprevalence of BDV (16.27%, CI₉₅ 11.27–21.27) and Coxiella burnetii (13.88%, CI₉₅ 9.2–18.56) was moderate, and only 4 of 209 animals (1.91%, CI₉₅ 1.82–2.96) presented specific antibodies against Neospora caninum or SBV. All the examined ovine flocks were seropositive to three or more pathogens. The highest percentage of seropositive animals was detected for T. gondii‐C. abortus coseropositive (25.36%) culled ewes. The concordance between serum and meat juice samples was moderate for T. gondii (κ = 0.419) and BDV (κ = 0.568), and fair for C. abortus (κ = 0.311). Our results show evidence of circulation of SBV from summer 2011 in southern Spain. Furthermore, C. abortus and T. gondii were the most prevalent pathogens associated with sheep in outdoor rearing systems. Finally, these preliminary results point to meat juice samples as a potential biological sample for serosurveys studies on sheep.     

Coxiella burnetii Infections in Small Ruminants and Humans in Switzerland

The recent Q fever epidemic in the Netherlands raised concerns about the potential risk of outbreaks in other European countries. In Switzerland, the prevalence of Q fever in animals and humans has not been studied in recent years. In this study, we describe the current situation with respect to Coxiella (C.) burnetii infections in small ruminants and humans in Switzerland, as a basis for future epidemiological investigations and public health risk assessments. Specific objectives of this cross‐sectional study were to (i) estimate the seroprevalence of C. burnetii in sheep and goats, (ii) quantify the amount of bacteria shed during abortion and (iii) analyse temporal trends in human C. burnetii infections. The seroprevalence of C. burnetii in small ruminants was determined by commercial ELISA from a representative sample of 100 sheep flocks and 72 goat herds. Herd‐level seroprevalence was 5.0% (95% CI: 1.6–11.3) for sheep and 11.1% (95% CI: 4.9–20.7) for goats. Animal‐level seroprevalence was 1.8% (95% CI: 0.8–3.4) for sheep and 3.4% (95% CI: 1.7–6) for goats. The quantification of C. burnetii in 97 ovine and caprine abortion samples by real‐time PCR indicated shedding of >10⁴ bacteria/g in 13.4% of all samples tested. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting C. burnetii quantities in a large number of small ruminant abortion samples. Annual human Q fever serology data were provided by five major Swiss laboratories. Overall, seroprevalence in humans ranged between 1.7% and 3.5% from 2007 to 2011, and no temporal trends were observed. Interestingly, the two laboratories with significantly higher seroprevalences are located in the regions with the largest goat populations as well as, for one laboratory, with the highest livestock density in Switzerland. However, a direct link between animal and human infection data could not be established in this study.     

Post‐epidemic investigation of Schmallenberg virus in wild ruminants in Slovenia

Schmallenberg virus (SBV) is a vector‐borne virus belonging to the genus Orthobunyavirus within the Bunyaviridae family. SBV emerged in Europe in 2011 and was characterized by epidemics of abortions, stillbirths and congenital malformations in domestic ruminants. The first evidence of SBV infection in Slovenia was from an ELISA‐positive sample from a cow collected in August 2012; clinical manifestations of SBV disease in sheep and cattle were observed in 2013, with SBV RNA detected in samples collected from a total of 28 herds. A potential re‐emergence of SBV in Europe is predicted to occur when population‐level immunity declines. SBV is also capable of infecting several wild ruminant species, although clinical disease has not yet been described in these species. Data on SBV‐positive wild ruminants suggest that these species might be possible sources for the re‐emergence of SBV. The aim of this study was to investigate whether SBV was circulating among wild ruminants in Slovenia and whether these species can act as a virus reservoir. A total of 281 blood and spleen samples from wild ruminants, including roe deer, red deer, chamois and European mouflon, were collected during the 2017–2018 hunting season. Serum samples were tested for antibodies against SBV by ELISA; the overall seroprevalence was 18.1%. Seropositive samples were reported from all over the country in examined animal species from 1 to 15 years of age. Spleen samples from the seropositive animals and serum samples from the seronegative animals were tested for the presence of SBV RNA using real‐time RT‐PCR; all the samples tested negative. Based on the results of the seropositive animals, it was demonstrated that SBV was circulating in wild ruminant populations in Slovenia even after the epidemic, as almost half (23/51) of the seropositive animals were 1 or 2 years old.     

Schmallenberg Virus in Belgium: Estimation of Impact in Cattle and Sheep Herds

Schmallenberg virus (SBV) emerged during summer 2011. SBV induced an unspecific syndrome in cattle and congenital signs (abortions, stillbirths and malformations) in domestic ruminants. To study the impact of SBV in Belgium, a phone survey was conducted upon September 2012. Hereto two groups of cattle farmers (A and B) and two groups of sheep farmers (C and D) were randomly selected. Farms from groups A (n = 53) and C (n = 42) received SBV‐positive result at RT‐PCR in the Belgian National Reference Laboratory (NRL). Farms from groups B (n = 29) and D (n = 44) never sent suspected samples to NRL for SBV analysis but were however presumed seropositive for SBV after the survey. Questionnaires related to reproduction parameters and clinical signs observed in newborn and adult animals were designed and addressed to farmers. As calculated on a basis of farmers’ observations, 4% of calves in group A and 0.5% in group B were reported aborted, stillborn or deformed due to SBV in 2011–2012. The impact as observed by sheep farmers was substantially higher with 19% of lambs in group C and 11% in group D that were reported aborted, stillborn or deformed due to SBV in 2011–2012. Interestingly, abortions or stillbirths were not clear consequences of SBV outbreak in cattle farms, and the birth of a deformed animal was an essential condition to suspect SBV presence in cattle and sheep farms. This study contributes to a better knowledge of the impact of the SBV epidemic. The results suggest that SBV impacted Belgian herds mostly by the birth of deformed calves, stillborn lambs and deformed lambs. This work also demonstrates that the birth of a deformed calf or lamb was a trigger for the farmer to suspect the presence of SBV and send samples to NRL for further analyses.     

Serological Screening Suggests Presence of Schmallenberg Virus in Cattle,Sheep and Goat in the Zambezia Province,Mozambique

Schmallenberg virus (SBV) is a novel Orthobunyavirus within the family Bunyaviridae belonging to the Simbu serogroup. Schmallenberg virus infects ruminants and has since its discovery in the autumn 2011 been detected/spread to large parts of Europe. Most bunyaviruses are arboviruses, and SBV has been detected in biting midges in different European countries, suggesting that they may play a role in the transmission of the virus. It is not known how SBV was introduced to Europe and if SBV is present in countries outside of Europe. Thus, in this study, we conducted a serological screening for SBV antibodies in cattle (no. 79), sheep (no. 145) and goat (no. 141) in the Zambezia Province in Mozambique during September 2013. The results show a high percentage of antibody‐positive animals. All farms tested had seropositive animals; cattle displayed the highest prevalence with 100% positive animals. Sheep and goat also displayed high number of positive animals with a 43–97% and 72–100% within‐herd seroprevalence, respectively. This initial serological screening suggests that SBV is present on the African continent. However, cross‐reactivity with other members of the Simbu serogroup cannot be ruled out, and further studies are needed to identify and characterize the virus responsible for the antibody‐positive results.     

Serological Study of Exposure to Selected Arthropod‐Borne Pathogens in European Bison (Bison bonasus) in Poland

Bison bonasus is an indigenous species of Central and Eastern Europe with the largest wild population inhabiting Białowieża Primeval Forest; however, free‐living and captive European bison are reared in many countries around the world. Despite that the European bison was rescued from the extinction after the First World War, it remains as endangered species. Changing environment as well as human activity may have contributed to the observed increase of the risk of the emergence and re‐emergence of pathogens. The aim of the survey was to establish the distribution of four pathogens transmitted by arthropods including three arboviruses [Bluetongue disease virus (BTV), Epizootic haemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) and Schmallenberg virus (SBV)] and a bacteria (Francisella tularensis) in the main populations of European bison in Poland. A total of 251 European bison originating from eight main populations were included in the study and sampled between February 2011 and December 2014. Serum samples originated from chemically immobilized, eliminated or dead by natural causes animals. Additionally, 65 cervids from Białowieża Forest were tested to compare the seroprevalences of other ruminants inhabiting the same environment. The antibodies to SBV and BTV were found in 76.1% and 24.7% of European bison, respectively. In autumn 2012, simultaneous emergence of SBV and BTV in European bison was observed; however, while SBV has spread in all populations scattered around the country, BTV infections were observed only in the north‐eastern part of Poland, where BTV cases have been previously reported in domestic ruminants. European bison age was found to be the only significant risk factor for SBV and BTV seroprevalences; however, this association was connected to the animal size, rather than to the length of exposure. None of the animals tested positive for antibodies against EHDV or F. tularensis. SBV exposure rate of cervids was much lower (35.4%) than in European bison, while BTV seroprevalence was comparable in both groups.     

Schmallenberg Virus Antibodies Detected in Poland

Between 24 and 30 July 2012 230 adult goats from three western provinces of Poland bordering on Germany (Western Pomerania, Lubuskie and Lower Silesia) were blood‐sampled and tested for antibodies to Schmallenberg virus (SBV) using indirect immunoenzymatic test (ID Screen® Schmallenberg virus indirect, IDvet Innovative Diagnostics). The ELISA test identified 21 seropositive goats – 15 in Western Pomerania (16% of all goats tested in this province), five in Lubuskie (6%) and one in Lower Silesia (2%). Our study demonstrates for the first time the presence of antibodies to SBV in Poland.     

Follow‐up of the Schmallenberg Virus Seroprevalence in Belgian Cattle

Schmallenberg virus (SBV), which emerged in Northwestern Europe in 2011, is an arthropod‐borne virus affecting primarily ruminants. Based on the results of two cross‐sectional studies conducted in the Belgian ruminant population during winter 2011–2012, we concluded that at the end of 2011, almost the whole population had already been infected by SBV. A second cross‐sectional serological study was conducted in the Belgian cattle population during winter 2012–2013 to examine the situation after the 2012 transmission period and to analyse the change in immunity after 1 year. A total of 7130 blood samples collected between 1st January and 28 February 2013 in 188 herds were tested for the presence of SBV‐specific antibodies. All sampled herds tested positive and within‐herd seroprevalence was estimated at 65.66% (95% CI: 62.28–69.04). A statistically significant decrease was observed between the beginning and the end of 2012. On the other hand, age‐cohort‐specific seroprevalence stayed stable from 1 year to the other. During winter 2012–2013, calves between 6 and 12 months had a seroprevalence of 20.59% (95% CI: 15.34–25.83), which seems to be an indication that SBV was still circulating at least in some parts of Belgium during summer–early autumn 2012. Results showed that the level of immunity against SBV of the animals infected has not decreased and remained high after 1 year and that the spread of the virus has slowed down considerably during 2012. This study also indicated that in the coming years, there are likely to be age cohorts of unprotected animals.     

Exploratory investigation of Q fever in apparently healthy meat sheep flocks in Belgium

Q fever is a cosmopolitan disease affecting both humans and many animal species. Although sheep are often implicated in human Q fever outbreaks, the disease remains largely underestimated in meat sheep flocks. In order to fulfil this gap, a preliminary study was performed aiming to investigate the serological and molecular aspects of infection with Coxiella burnetii among meat sheep flocks in Belgium. Five Belgian sheep flocks were recruited for this work. Indirect ELISA was used, and in addition, real‐time PCR was performed on samples of milk, rectal and vaginal swabs, to understand the dynamics of bacterial shedding. Despite the low overall apparent seroprevalence of 1.39% (95% CI : 0.04–7.5), a high rate of bacterial shedding was found, with 27.7% of tested sheep (N  = 72) with a positive result to PCR , especially through the rectal and vaginal routes and in seronegative animals. Furthermore, Coxiella burnetii DNA was detected in 26.76% of seronegative animals. It can be concluded that an overall good clinical condition of the sheep cannot be used to exclude the presence of C. burnetii in a flock. Furthermore in the diagnosis of Q fever in sheep, serology alone was not a sensitive diagnostic tool. On the contrary, molecular biology allowed to detect bacterial shedding, which is an essential element in order to assess the risk due to the contact with shedding animals. At the light of these results, the role of meat sheep flocks in the epidemiology of Q fever in Belgium needs to be better understood.     

Serosurvey of Schmallenberg Virus Infection in the Highest Goat‐Specialized Region of France

The monitoring of both the spread and clinical impact of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) infection within its full host range is important for the control of the epidemic and potential new outbreaks. In France, a national surveillance plan based on voluntary notifications of congenital malformations in newborn ruminants revealed that goats were the less affected host species. However, seroprevalence studies only targeted sheep and cattle, preventing accurate estimations of the real impact of SBV infection in goats. Here, a serological survey was conducted in the highest goat‐specialized region of France between June 2012 and January 2013. A total of 1490 goat sera from 50 herds were analysed by ELISA. The between‐herd and within‐herd prevalences were estimated at 62% and 13.1%, respectively. Seroprevalence was not uniformly distributed throughout the territory and markedly differed between intensive and extensive herds. The low within‐herd seroprevalence demonstrates that a large fraction of the French goat population remains susceptible to SBV infection.     

Efficacy of a porous‐structured titanium subdermal barrier for preventing infection in percutaneous osseointegrated prostheses

Infections of percutaneous osseointegrated prostheses (POP) cause prolonged morbidity and device failure because once established, they are refractory to antibiotic therapy. To date, only limited translational animal studies have investigated the efficacy of POP designs in preventing infections. We developed an animal model to evaluate the efficacy of a porous‐coated titanium (Ti) subdermal barrier to achieve skin–implant integration and to prevent periprosthetic infection. In a single‐stage “amputation and implantation” surgery, 14 sheep were fitted with percutaneous devices with an attached porous‐coated Ti subdermal barrier. Nine sheep were implanted with a smooth Ti subdermal barrier construct and served as controls, with one control sheep removed from the study due to a fractured bone. Clinical, microbiological, and histopathological data showed that the porous Ti barrier prevented superficial and deep tissue infections in all animals (14/14, 100%) at the 9‐month endpoint. In contrast, animals with the smooth Ti implant construct had a 25% (2/8) infection rate. Survival analysis indicated a significant difference between the groups (log‐rank test, p = 0.018). Data also indicated that although skin marsupialization was evident in both implant types, animals in the control group had a four times greater marsupialization rate. We concluded that osseointegrated implants incorporating porous‐coated Ti subdermal barriers may have the ability to prevent infection by maintaining a healthy, biologically attached epithelial barrier at the skin–implant interface in load‐bearing animals up to a 9‐month terminus. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1304–1311, 2012     

Natural Immunity of Sheep and Lambs Against the Schmallenberg Virus Infection

Since the first reports of the Schmallenberg disease (SBD) outbreaks in late 2011, the disease has spread across Europe, affecting cattle and sheep farms. While Schmallenberg virus (SBV) causes a mild clinical disease in adults, infection of pregnant females may lead to the production of typical congenital malformations (CMFs) in their offspring. It is speculated that the immunity acquired after a SBV infection is effective in preventing further infections. However, this has not been proven in naturally infected sheep, especially if they are pregnant when reinfected. The aim of this study was to monitor the natural immunity in SBV‐infected sheep. Twenty‐four ewes from the only Spanish farm with a SBV OIE‐notified outbreak were sampled. Subsequently, nine pregnant ewes were inoculated with SBV infectious plasma under controlled conditions. Six of them were euthanized before delivery, and their fetuses were inspected for lesions indicative for the SBV infection. The three remaining ewes were allowed to deliver one lamb each. Inoculation of the lambs was scheduled at approx. 3 months after birth. All samples were analyzed for viral RNA by RT‐PCR, and for antibodies by an indirect ELISA and a virus neutralization test (VNT). The majority of the 24 ewes showed a serological reaction against SBV. The three ewes that were allowed to lamb down demonstrated variable degrees of seroconversion which corresponded to the levels of immune reaction observed in their lambs. Moreover, no viral RNA was detected, no lesions were observed in the fetuses, and no clinical signs were detected in the inoculated animals. These findings suggest that the immunity acquired by sheep following a natural SBV infection could be sufficient to stop SBV reinfection. However, vaccination could be a valuable tool to control SBV infections and associated economic losses as it affords a more uniform and predictable protection at the flock/herd level.     

Exposure of Wildlife to the Schmallenberg Virus in France (2011–2014): Higher,Faster, Stronger (than Bluetongue)!

The Schmallenberg virus (SBV) has recently emerged in Europe, causing losses to the domestic livestock. A retrospective analysis of serodata was conducted in France for estimating seroprevalence of SBV among six wildlife species from 2011–2012 to 2013–2014, that is during the three vector seasons after the emergence of the SBV in France. Our objective was to quantify the exposure of wildlife to SBV and the potential protective effect of elevation such as previously observed for bluetongue. We also compared the spatiotemporal trends between domestic and wild animals at the level of the departments. We tested 2050 sera using competitive ELISA tests. Individual and population risk factors were further tested using general linear models among 1934 individuals. All populations but one exhibited positive results, seroprevalence up to 30% being observed for all species. The average seroprevalence did not differ between species but ranged from 0 to 90% according to the area and period, due to the dynamic pattern of infection. Seroprevalence was on average higher in the lowlands compared to areas located up to 800 m. Nevertheless, seroprevalence above 50% occurred in areas located up to 1500 m. Thus, contrary to what had been observed for bluetongue during the late 2000s in the same areas, SBV could spread to high altitudes and infect all the studied species. The spatial spread of SBV in wildlife did not fully match with SBV outbreaks reported in the domestic livestock. The mismatch was most obvious in mountainous areas where outbreaks in wildlife occurred on average one year after the peak of congenital cases in livestock. These results suggest a much larger spread and vector capacity for SBV than for bluetongue virus in natural areas. Potential consequences for wildlife dynamics are discussed.     

Identification of Natural Infections in Sheep/Goats with HoBi‐like Pestiviruses in China

The natural infections of HoBi‐like pestiviruses in cattle have been reported in South America, Europe and Asia. In China, although the detections of HoBi‐like pestivirus have been reported, the epidemiological investigation was limited. From January 2014 to October 2015, several flocks of sheep/goats in Henan province in central China suffered respiratory diseases which were recovered slowly after antibiotics treatment. To test whether it is the HoBi‐like pestivirus caused this symptom, 49 serum samples and 22 nasal swabs were then collected for analysis by serology and RT‐PCR. Serological result revealed that prevalence of pestivirus in small ruminants was 12.2% (6/49) in central China. Sequence analysis of partial 5′‐UTR nucleotides of pestivirus‐positive samples suggested that HoBi‐like pestivirus might have circulated in sheep/goats of China for a period and have evolved into new genotype clusters. It is apparent that the study provides the molecular evidence of natural infections in goat/sheep species with HoBi‐like pestiviruses in China.     

Two Years After the Schmallenberg Virus Epidemic in the Netherlands: Does the Virus still Circulate?

Two years after the introduction of the Schmallenberg virus in north‐western Europe, it is unknown whether the virus is still circulating in countries that were the first to be confronted with it. When the population‐level immunity declines in Europe, reintroduction or the re‐emergence of SBV in Europe might eventually result in an outbreak of similar magnitude of that seen in 2011–2012. The Netherlands was part of the primary outbreak region of SBV in 2011. The aim of this study was to determine whether SBV circulated amongst dairy herds in the Netherlands in 2013, and if so, to which extent. For this purpose, the presence of SBV‐specific antibodies in naive cattle was investigated. A total of 394 dairy farms were sampled between October and December 2013 by collecting five serum samples per herd. Antibodies were detected in 1.1% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.7–1.7)] of the animals. All seropositive animals were single reactors per herd and were at least 8 months old at sampling. As these results were inconclusive in demonstrating freedom of SBV circulation, a more in‐depth investigation was initiated to provide more insight: an additional sample of 20 youngstock within the same age category (including the five initially sampled animals) was collected from 17 of the 21 positive herds and tested for SBV‐specific antibodies. This resulted in 9 antibody‐positive test results of 316 samples. Again, the positive samples were single reactors within the sample obtained from each farm, which is unlikely given the characteristics of SBV. Therefore, assuming the single reactors as false‐positive, this survey showed with 95% confidence that the maximum possible prevalence of herds with SBV circulation in the Netherlands was <1% in 2013.     

Schmallenberg Virus beyond Latitude 65°N

Extensive and rapid spread of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) in Sweden was detected by consecutive serological bulk milk surveys conducted before and after the vector season of 2012. Whereas <0.2% of cattle herds tested positive in a first survey in spring 2012, SBV‐specific antibodies were detected in almost 75% of 723 bulk milk samples randomly collected all over the country 6 months later, beyond the 65th northern latitude, and with an observed spatial distribution suggesting multiple introductions of the virus. Circulation of virus was later confirmed by the detection of SBV in malformed lambs and calves starting from November 2012 and January 2013, respectively. These observations suggest SBV circulation starting from July 2012, with a peak in transmission between August and October. A local heterogeneity of within‐herd seroprevalence was found, indicating that SBV‐naïve animals remain also in highly infected areas enabling the re‐emergence of the infection in the coming vector season.     

Serosurvey for Schmallenberg Virus in Alpine Wild Ungulates

Because Schmallenberg virus (SBV) was first reported in domestic ruminants in Northern Italy in February 2012, we conducted a serosurvey to assess the presence of SBV‐specific antibodies in free‐ranging alpine ruminants. The tested serum samples were from chamois (23) and red deer (352) hunted from 2007 to 2013. All of the serum samples collected through September, 2012, tested negative, whereas a single chamois serum and 21 red deer sera taken during the 2012–2013 hunting season tested positive for the presence of SBV antibodies. Because this serosurvey is suggestive of an active SBV circulation in Alpine wildlife, targeted surveillance should be performed on wild ruminants to monitor the spread of the virus and to assess the epidemiological role of wildlife at the interface with domestic animals.