A tiny, midge-borne virus that infects cattle, sheep and goats. In adult animals it usually means a short bout of fever, diarrhoea and lost milk. In pregnant animals it can reach the unborn calf or lamb. Here's what it is, in plain language.
Shamonda virus belongs to the Simbu serogroup of orthobunyaviruses — a group known in farming for causing fever in adult livestock and, in some cases, birth defects in animals infected while still in the womb.
It was first identified in Nigeria in the 1960s, later turned up repeatedly in Japan, and in summer 2026 a “Shamonda-like” strain appeared in European cattle for the first time. Two genetic variants are now tracked there: Europe 1 and Europe 2. In October 2026 France reported the first known human case.
Shamonda is an arbovirus — an arthropod-borne virus. Control the vector season and you understand the disease season.
A Culicoides midge — barely 1–3 mm long — takes a blood meal from a cow, sheep or goat that has virus circulating in its blood.
The virus replicates inside the insect. Midges are most active at dusk and dawn in warm, humid, still weather.
The next bite passes the virus on. Wind can carry midges long distances, which is how these viruses jump between regions and countries.
The virus can cross the placenta. Depending on the stage of pregnancy, the unborn calf or lamb may be harmed.
Most adult cattle recover after several days. Sheep and goats may show milder or no signs.
Calves infected in the womb in Japan (2015–16) showed defects similar to Schmallenberg virus. Whether the 2026 European strain does the same is still being studied.
These signs overlap with many other diseases (bluetongue, EHD, BVD and more). Only lab testing confirms Shamonda. If you keep livestock, talk to your vet.
Shamonda virus first identified in West Africa.
Repeatedly isolated in Japan, alongside related Simbu viruses.
Schmallenberg virus sweeps Europe. Japanese researchers find it shares S and L genome segments with Shamonda virus.
15 malformed calves linked to infection in the womb — Shamonda is classed as teratogenic in ruminants.
Dairy herds report fever, diarrhoea and milk drop. A Shamonda-like virus is found by metagenomic sequencing.
First Simbu serogroup detection in Swiss cattle. Within weeks it is found in 17 cantons and Liechtenstein.
Confirmed in southern Germany and Austria. Two variants named: Europe 1 and Europe 2.
Type 2 tracked in Belgium, the Netherlands and northern Germany; both types confirmed in Spain. Also found in horses, sheep, goats and an alpaca.
First known human case reported. The patient, already being treated for a serious illness, died. A midge bite is suspected; whether the virus caused the death is still under investigation.
House animals at dusk and dawn in peak season, use vet-approved repellents and insecticides, and cut down on standing water and wet manure where midges breed.
Note breeding dates against the midge season. Report abortions, stillbirths or deformed newborns so samples can be tested.
Fever, diarrhoea and milk drop have many causes. A vet can submit blood or tissue for PCR to confirm or rule out Shamonda.
There is no vaccine and no specific cure. Treatment is symptomatic — fluids, nursing and managing the herd through the illness.
Rarely, it appears. On 22 October 2026 France reported the first known human case — a patient already being treated for a serious illness that made them more vulnerable to infection. The patient died. Authorities suspect a midge bite, but how they were infected and whether the virus caused the death are still being investigated. WHO considers it an isolated case with no broader risk to the general public.
There's no indication of that. In animals the virus isn't known to pass from one animal to another, except from a pregnant mother to her fetus. It spreads through midge bites.
Shamonda is spread by insect bites, not food. Follow your national food-safety authority for any official guidance.
They are close cousins in the Simbu serogroup. Genetic studies found Schmallenberg virus shares two of its three genome segments with Shamonda virus, and the two cause similar birth defects.
A strain first detected in summer 2026 in France, Switzerland and Germany whose genome is closest to Shamonda virus. Two variants — Europe 1 and Europe 2 — are now being tracked as it spreads.
As of this writing there are no reported detections in North America. Its midge vector exists worldwide, so surveillance matters.
No vaccine exists. Sick animals receive supportive care, and prevention focuses on reducing exposure to biting midges.