The document summarizes information about Schmallenberg virus, a virus discovered in cattle and sheep in Europe in 2011 that is similar to Akabane virus and can cause birth defects. It was found over 6000 farms reported deformed lambs or calves in 2012. The virus is spread by biting midges and generally causes mild or no symptoms in adults but can lead to abortions, bone abnormalities, or neurological issues in fetuses if the mother is infected during pregnancy. It had spread throughout parts of northern Europe and the UK by early 2013 and was expected to continue circulating and potentially cause losses of deformed young in 2013. A vaccine was in development but not expected until 2014.