Shamonda virus detected in Great Britain and Europe

We're aware of the recent detections of a new virus – the Shamonda virus (SHAV) – in cattle in Europe, including Great Britain. Find out more about the virus and the latest situation.

Like bluetongue virus (BTV), SHAV is thought to be spread by biting midges and mainly affects cattle, although it has been found in other such species such as horses, sheep and goats.

Belonging to the same group of viruses as Schmallenberg virus (SBV), clinical signs include fever, diarrhoea, lethargy and reduced milk production.

It is also thought it can cause fertility issues including abortions in infected cattle and deformities in lambs.

While SHAV is not a notifiable disease, diagnostic testing is available from APHA and livestock owners can speak to their vet in the first instance if they have any concerns.

We appreciate this is a worrying time for many of our levy payers and we will continue to liaise with APHA and Defra to monitor the situation.

We're engaged through a number of key disease preparedness and response groups, including the Livestock Core Group (Defra). AHDB’s Head of Animal Health and Welfare, Dr Mandy Nevel, sits on this group, which is the primary forum for discussing emerging animal health incidents such as SHAV.

Defra's International Disease Monitoring Team undertakes horizon scanning for emerging disease threats and reports findings through this group.

We also chair the BTV technical industry network of more than 30 industry organisations, including Defra and APHA. The group is evaluating the similarities and distinguishing features of SHAV and BTV and will decide if and what resources are appropriate for the industry.

Our Animal Health and Welfare team will continue to monitor the situation.

For any queries, please contact AHDB via ruminanthw@ahdb.org.uk.

You can also find more information at GOV.UK and WOAH.