Abstract: Schmallenberg disease was first discovered in North Rhine-Westphalia,Germany in November 2011. It was an emerging infectious animal disease caused by Schmallenberg virus,a new member of Orthobunyavirus genus of Bunyaviridae family,which might infect sheep,cattle,goats and bison. This paper summarized recent findings on the history,prevalence,clinical symptoms,etiology,epidemiology,pathological changes and diagnostic methods of the disease. It was believed that Schmallenberg virus spreaded rapidly,and was extremely hazardous to ruminants and livestock production. The disease had already been attached great attention from the EU and OIE. As a major trading country of animal and animal products in the world, China had been a big trade partner of animal and animal products with EU member countries,and should be alert and take necessary restrictive measures to prevent the entrance of the emerging infectious disease.

Key words: Schmallenberg disease; Schmallenberg virus; Bunyaviridae; Orthobunyavirus; infectious animal disease; emerging disease