Shamonda virus detected in livestock in Great Britain for first time

The Shamonda virus (SHAV) has been detected in livestock in Great Britain for the first time. According to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), the virus was identified in cattle at two dairy farms in October 2026: one located in Powys, Wales, and another in Shropshire, England. Samples were collected and tested at APHA laboratories in Weybridge.

Virus Background and Transmission

SHAV was first identified in cattle in Nigeria in 1965 and has previously been detected mainly in Africa and Asia. The virus is thought to be primarily spread by Culicoides biting midges. While direct transmission between animals has not yet been confirmed, the Ukrainian Milk Producers Association reports that transmission from mother to fetus is possible, which poses risks to pregnant cows.

By the end of October 2026, infections had been reported in 14 European countries and territories. According to the Ukrainian Milk Producers Association, these include Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Czechia. The virus has also been identified in animals in Jersey and the Republic of Ireland.

Clinical Signs and Economic Impact

The disease can cause fever, diarrhea, abortions, stillbirths, and congenital abnormalities in calves. According to Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture, milk yields at some affected farms fell by more than 20% over a period of 7–10 days. The Ukrainian Milk Producers Association notes that the disease could cause significant declines in milk yields and reproductive problems.

Human Health and Food Safety

Regarding human health, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reported the first documented case of human infection in France on October 22. The patient, who had severe immunodeficiency, died in early October, though the possible role of the virus in the death and the route of infection remain under investigation.

Currently, there is no evidence of wider transmission among humans, and the UKHSA is continuing to monitor the situation. The Food Standards Agency has confirmed there is currently no evidence that Shamonda virus poses a food safety risk.

Monitoring and Response

SHAV is not a notifiable or reportable disease. The APHA stated that this detection "demonstrates that our surveillance and diagnostic systems are effective in being able to identify new and emerging diseases in our livestock."

Defra, the Welsh Government, the Scottish Government, and APHA will continue to monitor the epidemiological situation. The Ukrainian Milk Producers Association recommends that farms strengthen veterinary monitoring, specifically regarding sudden declines in milk yields, fever, abortions, and stillbirths. Experts advise controlling populations of blood-feeding insects and including Shamonda virus in laboratory testing alongside other related infections.

---

Sources

• gov.uk: Shamonda virus detected in livestock in Great Britain for first time - GOV.UK
• ukragroconsult.com: New cattle disease spreads across Europe

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.