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Shamonda virus is a midge-borne orthobunyavirus that infects ruminants such as cattle and sheep. A new European lineage, often called Shamonda-Europe, appeared in livestock in summer 2026, causing fever, diarrhoea, and sharp drops in milk yield. Current evidence shows no infection in people, and authorities do not consider it a human health threat.
Key Takeaways:
- Shamonda virus is spread by biting midges (Culicoides) and belongs to the Simbu serogroup, the same group as Schmallenberg virus.
- The first 2026 cases appeared in eastern France and Germany in June and July, then spread to Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain.
- Germany’s Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) distinguishes two separate introductions, named SHAV-EU1 and SHAV-EU2.
- No vaccine or specific treatment exists, so prevention relies on midge control and surveillance.
- Available sources report no evidence of human infection.
The pathogen is an enveloped RNA virus first isolated in Africa in the 1960s and later found in parts of Asia. The 2026 European strain is a genetically distinct Shamonda lineage. French and German samples share 99.93% identity (Spanish), which points to a common origin for the eastern outbreaks.
What Is Shamonda Virus and Where Did It Come From?
Shamonda virus is an orthobunyavirus that historically circulated in ruminants in Africa and Asia. It was never previously confirmed in European herds. Veterinarians first noticed unusual cattle illness in the French départements of Doubs and Ain in June 2026, and sequencing then identified a previously undescribed Simbu-group virus.
Midges become infected when they feed on a viraemic animal. They later pass the virus on through their bites. Warm, wet seasons favour midge populations, which is why summer and early autumn are the peak risk period. The AGES risk profile gives a good technical summary.
How the Virus Spread Across Europe in 2026
| Country | What has been reported |
|---|---|
| France | Cattle outbreaks from June, then dozens of départements; first sheep case in the Oise |
| Germany | Detected across almost the whole country by October, with two lineages |
| Switzerland | Cattle, plus rare cases in horses; targeted surveillance from October |
| Austria | Vorarlberg, Tyrol, Upper Austria, and Salzburg |
| Belgium and Netherlands | Confirmed in cattle and symptom-free sheep |
| Spain | Several provinces affected, including both genotypes |
Shamonda Virus Symptoms in Cattle, Sheep and Horses
In adult cattle, the illness is usually short and mild. Typical signs include fever, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, lethargy, and a sudden fall in milk output. In the first nine French herds investigated, milk yield fell by 15% to 75%, though the drops were largely reversible.
The bigger concern is pregnancy. Because the virus is closely related to Schmallenberg, researchers expect abortions and malformed newborns after infection in early or mid gestation. Abortions have already been recorded, but with a roughly nine-month gestation in cattle, the full picture will only emerge in the coming months.
In Switzerland, the virus was also found in the brain tissue of two horses with neurological disease. Researchers consider a link “very likely”, and investigations are continuing.
Shamonda Virus vs Schmallenberg and Bluetongue
| Feature | Shamonda (SHAV) | Schmallenberg | Bluetongue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family/genus | Orthobunyavirus | Orthobunyavirus | Orbivirus |
| Vector | Culicoides midges | Culicoides midges | Culicoides midges |
| Main hosts | Cattle, sheep, rarely horses | Cattle, sheep, goats | Sheep, cattle |
| Adult signs | Fever, diarrhoea, milk drop | Fever, diarrhoea, milk drop | Fever, facial swelling, lameness |
| Fetal effects | Abortions reported; malformations expected | Malformations, stillbirths | Abortions, birth defects |
| Vaccine | None | Limited | Available for some serotypes |
Is Shamonda Virus Dangerous to Humans?
Based on current knowledge, the virus poses no danger to people. The Swiss, German, Austrian, and French sources I reviewed all report no evidence of human infection. Related Simbu-group viruses have circulated in livestock for years without causing human disease.
This is a newly characterised lineage, however, so health agencies are still gathering data. Treat official updates from veterinary and public health authorities as the final word, and avoid assuming either danger or total safety.
Prevention and Midge Control on Farms
No vaccine is currently available against Shamonda virus, so farm management carries most of the load:
- House animals during peak midge activity at dawn and dusk.
- Use approved insecticide or repellent treatments on livestock.
- Remove standing water, wet manure, and slurry pools where midge larvae breed.
- Review our guide to midge control on livestock farms and bluetongue prevention.
- People working outdoors can reduce bites with DEET or picaridin repellents and long sleeves.
Surveillance and What Farmers Should Report
The virus is not a notifiable disease in Germany, so no compulsory control measures apply. Even so, vets ask farmers to report abortions, malformed newborns, and unexplained milk drops. Anyone who suspects Shamonda virus should contact their vet, who can arrange PCR testing. See also our livestock disease prevention checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shamonda virus dangerous to humans?
No human infections have been reported, and authorities currently describe the risk to people as negligible.
Can Shamonda virus affect horses?
Yes, in rare cases. Swiss researchers found the virus in the brains of two horses with neurological signs, and further study is under way.
Is there a vaccine or specific treatment?
No. Care is supportive, such as fluids and anti-inflammatory treatment for sick animals.
How does Shamonda virus differ from Schmallenberg virus?
Both are Simbu-group orthobunyaviruses spread by midges and cause similar symptoms. Schmallenberg emerged in Europe in 2011, whereas the Shamonda lineage appeared in 2026 and its effects on pregnancy are still being measured.
Where has Shamonda virus been found in Europe?
It has been confirmed in France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain, with new detections still being reported.
Final Thoughts
Shamonda virus is a serious agricultural concern but, on current evidence, not a human health one. Farmers should focus on midge control, early reporting, and vet guidance, while everyone else can follow updates from official sources.
