First Cases Of Shamonda Virus Identified In British Dairy Farms

First Cases Of Shamonda Virus In Great Britain

Two dairy farms located in Shropshire and Powys have tested positive for the Shamonda virus (SHAV), marking the first recorded instances of the disease in Great Britain. The virus is believed to be transmitted primarily through the bites of midges. While the discovery is new to the region, the Animal and Plant Health Agency has stated that the arrival of the virus in the UK was not unexpected. The agency further clarified that the disease is not classified as a notifiable or reportable illness and that there is currently no evidence suggesting a need for additional disease-control measures.

Historically, the Shamonda virus originated in Nigeria during the 1960s. More recently, it was detected in Switzerland and southern Germany in June 2026. The virus is known to circulate in North Africa and southern Europe before leaping into northern Europe this summer and eventually reaching the UK. This movement highlights the shifting geographical range of the virus as it moves into previously unaffected northern territories.

Impact On Livestock And Animal Health

Shamonda virus mainly targets cattle, though it can also affect horses, sheep, and goats. In cattle, the infection typically manifests as fever, lethargy, diarrhoea, and a noticeable reduction in milk production. However, the most severe consequences occur during pregnancy. According to the World Health Organization, infected mothers may suffer from abortions or give birth to calves with significant birth defects.

Clinical experts note that these symptoms are not exclusive to SHAV and often overlap with various other exotic or endemic livestock diseases. This similarity makes it difficult for farmers to identify the virus without professional laboratory testing. Rob Hall, a clinical director at LLM Farm Vets, warned that many farmers might not realize their herds are infected until the calving season begins. In such cases, pregnant animals may miscarry or produce offspring with congenital abnormalities, including brain disorders, developmental issues, and spinal defects or contorted limbs.

Environmental Factors And Control Measures

The spread of the virus is closely linked to environmental changes. Experts suggest that climate change is playing a significant role in the expansion of the virus. Warmer winters allow midges to persist longer and expand their range further north, facilitating the movement of the virus from southern regions into the UK. Because the virus follows the seasonal patterns of the insects that carry it, the risk typically fluctuates based on midge activity.

Farmers have expressed concern over the number of unknowns regarding the virus, particularly how long it may have been present in the UK undetected. Neale Sadler, a third-generation dairy farmer, noted that the virus only started appearing on agricultural news bulletins a few weeks ago. While the end of the midge season in November provides some temporary relief, there is a risk that warm spells could cause the insects to reappear. Furthermore, there is concern that damage to livestock may have already occurred during the peak midge season, even if symptoms have not yet appeared.

Currently, there is no available vaccine to prevent the Shamonda virus. Control efforts are focused on good animal husbandry and management practices. This includes maintaining high standards of hygiene and implementing measures to keep flies and midges away from the livestock. Tim Downes, chair of the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers, confirmed that the issue is being monitored across the country, with veterinarians in areas such as Leicestershire keeping a close watch on the situation.

The Shamonda virus is related to the Schmallenberg virus and produces very similar health issues in animals. As the situation is still in its early stages, officials and agricultural associations continue to monitor the spread across the country. The long-term impact remains uncertain, as it is not yet clear if the virus will follow the same cyclical patterns as other insect-borne livestock diseases. For now, farmers are relying on vigilance and professional veterinary guidance to manage their herds.