The Shamonda virus, an emerging midge-borne livestock pathogen, has been detected in cattle in Jersey, marking its first confirmed presence in the British Isles. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) confirmed the finding in August 2026 after cattle displayed clinical signs consistent with outbreaks previously recorded across continental Europe.
Belonging to the same group of viruses as the Schmallenberg virus, the Shamonda virus (SHAV) is primarily transmitted by Culicoides biting midges. According to the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the infection mainly impacts cattle, triggering symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, lethargy, and reduced milk production, alongside documented cases of abortions.
Geographic Spread Across Europe
Prior to the Jersey detection, suspected and confirmed cases of the Shamonda virus surfaced across multiple European nations throughout 2026. Affected countries include France, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Austria. The Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI) in Germany has warned that the European variant of SHAV displays genetic differences from strains previously isolated in Africa and Asia. The FLI also noted that transmission via biting midges complicates the implementation of effective prevention and control measures.
While cattle remain the primary focus of surveillance, European health authorities have identified the virus in sheep, goats, alpacas, and horses. Detections in horses diagnosed with neurological disease in Germany and Switzerland have drawn particular attention from veterinary officials. These neurological signs can resemble those of notifiable equine diseases like West Nile fever, potentially complicating differential diagnoses for practitioners.
Diagnostic Testing and Official Guidance
In the UK, the Shamonda virus is not currently classified as a notifiable disease. However, the APHA is strongly encouraging veterinarians and livestock owners to closely investigate any livestock or equine cases showing clinical signs compatible with an infection. Specialized diagnostic testing has been developed and is now available through the APHA to support these diagnostic investigations.
Veterinarians investigating livestock cases can contact their local APHA Veterinary Investigation Centre, while equine cases should be directed to Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance. Authorities emphasize that because SHAV symptoms overlap with other endemic and exotic diseases, proper laboratory testing remains essential for accurate diagnosis and tracking.
Related reading