A midge-borne livestock virus previously reported mainly in Africa and Japan has now reached Europe.
During summer 2026, the Shamonda virus; or a closely related European variant, was identified in cattle in France, Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands and Austria. Scientists expect further spread to be possible while blood-feeding Culicoides midges* remain active.
* A Culicoides midge is a tiny biting fly, usually only 1–3 millimetres long. Female midges feed on the blood of cattle and other animals and can carry viruses from one animal to another, much like mosquitoes. They are especially active during warm, damp conditions and around dusk; some species transmit livestock diseases such as Shamonda and the already identified bluetongue virus.
Plausible routes for entry into Europe include infected midges being transported long distances by wind or inadvertently through trade and transport, or the movement of an infected animal.
In adult cattle, infection generally causes short-lived illness, including:
High fever.
Diarrhoea and appetite loss.
Lethargy.
A sudden, sometimes severe, reduction in milk yield.
Although most adult cattle appear to recover, affected dairy farms could face lost production, veterinary expenses and additional monitoring costs.
The greatest concern involves pregnant animals. The virus can cross the placenta and has been detected in aborted bovine foetuses in Switzerland.
Shamonda and related viruses may cause abortion, stillbirth or calves with serious limb, spinal and brain abnormalities when infection occurs during a vulnerable stage of pregnancy.
Researchers are still determining how frequently this happens with the European variant.
The virus is thought to spread mainly through biting midges; not through ordinary direct contact between cattle. There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine, although sick animals can receive supportive veterinary care.
Reducing exposure to midges may lower the risk but cannot provide complete protection.
Farmers should watch closely for clusters of fever, diarrhoea or abrupt milk loss and contact their veterinarian immediately.
Early blood sampling is important because the virus may remain detectable in adult cattle for only a short time.
Abortions, stillbirths and malformed calves should also be investigated.
There is currently no evidence that Shamonda virus causes disease in humans. It has not been identified as a food-safety threat from milk or meat.
The situation is evolving, and the virus’s origin, complete geographic distribution and long-term reproductive impact remain uncertain.
Farmers should follow updates from their veterinarian and national animal-health authority rather than relying on social-media rumours.
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