Shamonda virus

Shamonda Virus (SHAV) has been detected in several European countries including France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Germany, and Ireland during 2026.

The first cases of SHAV in Great Britain have been diagnosed by APHA on two separate dairy farms (one farm in England, one in Wales) in October 2026.

One human case has been reported in France in an already immunocompromised person who died in October 2026 while being treated for a serious illness. There is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission, and French public health authorities have not identified a risk to the general population.

SHAV is not notifiable in the UK, and no restrictions are placed on premises where SHAV is present. 

For more information and the case definitions for ruminants and horses please visit Disease information notes from APHA (on gov.uk).

If you suspect infection with SHAV in your livestock, please talk to your private veterinary surgeon. 

The following clinical signs may be present in cattle:

• fever
• diarrhoea
• anorexia (reduced feed intake) 
• lethargy
• reduced rumination
• sudden reduced milk yield
• reproductive impacts: abortion, increased rates of retained foetal membranes, metritis and endometritis

It is likely that several animals in the herd will be affected at the same time. There are also concerns that infection during pregnancy may result in calves being born with defects, similar to those seen with Schmallenberg virus (SBV) and Bluetongue virus (BTV). 

The virus has also been detected in sheep, goats, alpacas and horses. In horses, SHAV has been found in some animals showing signs of neurological disease. Clinical signs reported have included:

• loss of coordination
• weakness
• other nervous system disorders

Further work is needed to understand whether SHAV causes these signs directly. Some of the signs reported in horses may also resemble those seen in notifiable diseases such as West Nile fever, so veterinary investigation is important.

Shamonda virus belongs to the same group of viruses as Schmallenberg virus (SBV) and is currently understood to occur through bites from Culicoides midges. 

There is currently no evidence of animal-to-animal transmission through direct contact. Vertical transmission has been reported. Further evidence is needed to better understand all routes of transmission. 

You can help to prevent Shamonda virus from spreading by:

• responsibly sourcing livestock
• remaining vigilant to signs of disease
• maintaining good hygiene and biosecurity on your premises
• housing animals in buildings that keep out biting midges – this is especially important at dawn and dusk

There are currently no commercially available vaccines against Shamonda virus.