A new midge-borne virus has been infecting cattle across Europe this month, with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) currently keeping a close eye on how it might impact Ireland if it ever arrives.

Shamonda virus is an orthabunyavirus that had only been detected in parts of Africa and in Japan before reaching Europe this year.

DAFM stated that it became aware of the virus earlier this month after the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI) confirmed its presence in cattle in Germany.

In late July and August 2026, cases were first detected in cattle in Switzerland, France, and southern Germany, according to the FLI.

More recently, the disease was detected amongst cattle in Austria and the Netherlands as well.

It has been reported that the Shamonda virus is closely related to viruses of the Simbu serogroup, such as Schmallenburg virus.

Clinical signs

A spokesperson from DAFM outlined that cattle infected with the Shamonda virus show mild clinical signs, such as fever, reduced milk yield and diarrhoea.

DAFM said: "The most significant impact of the virus is on the unborn foetus, where infection can result in abortion or severe foetal malformation.

The department stressed that there is currently "no evidence of Shamonda virus causing clinical disease in humans."

Transmission

Similar to bluetongue, transmission of the disease occurs primarily through biting midges, although it can also be transmitted to offspring during gestation.

Only cattle have been infected by the Shamonda virus so far, with some dairy cows in France reportedly only producing 4L of milk per day as a result of the disease.

However, sheep farmers across Europe have been urged to remain vigilant as another virus of the same serogroup, Schmallenberg virus, has previously caused congenital abnormalities in lambs when infected during a sensitive phase of gestation.

As a result, European sheep farmers have been recommended to consider delaying mating ewes until after October when midge activity decreases to limit the risk of exposure during early gestation.

Treatment

No vaccine is currently available for the Shamonda virus and there is no treatment to eliminate the disease in animals.

Scientists at FLI noted that vaccines can be developed to treat the virus, but it will require "sufficient lead time" and will depend on how significant the disease becomes across Europe.

Senior European policy advisor at the British Agriculture Bureau, Kate Adams stated that the most effective control measures include protecting herds from insect vectors to reduce the risk of infection.