A new virus carried by midges is causing huge distress for farmers in Europe, and has Kiwi farmers feeling nervous.

The Schmallenberg virus, discovered in November last year, causes deformities so severe in new born calves and lambs, that they die within seconds.

Undetected until the birth, ewes bitten by the insect will often fail to develop their foetuses, causing a form of abortion. 

The virus, found around continental Europe, was first identified in Germany, and has thought to have been carried throughout Europe by midges.

Farmers have become increasingly distressed by this new virus, not just with the loss of productivity, but from seeing the lambs.

One distraught famer in Suffolk has had 75 of his 1700 lambs affected by the disease.

The virus has been confirmed in 52 farms around England so far, but MAF is assuring New Zealand farmers that we are safe from the virus.

MAF Director of Animal and Animal product standards, Mathew Stone says the virus is spread by a type of fly not found in New Zealand.

But Dr William Rolleston of Federated Farmers isn’t taking any chances.

 "Yes it will be making us nervous. I think there are still some unanswered questions and we will be asking MAF just to make sure that our borders are well protected.”

Though a killer for goats, cattle and lambs,  the virus is not thought to be a risk to humans.