Shamonda virus detected in Jersey cattle as European spread continues

An emerging midge-borne virus linked to illness and abortions in cattle has been detected in Jersey, confirming its presence in the British Isles.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) detected Shamonda virus, or SHAV, in cattle showing clinical signs in August 2026, following detections elsewhere in Europe during the year.

The virus is thought to be spread mainly by Culicoides biting midges and belongs to the same group of viruses as Schmallenberg virus.

In cattle, SHAV has been associated with fever, diarrhoea, lethargy, reduced milk production and abortions.

APHA has also highlighted concerns that infection during pregnancy could potentially result in congenital abnormalities, similar to those seen with Schmallenberg virus and other related viruses.

The clinical signs are not specific to SHAV and can overlap with those caused by a number of endemic and exotic livestock diseases.

APHA said this highlighted “the importance of appropriate veterinary investigation and diagnosis”.

The Jersey finding does not represent a confirmed detection in Great Britain.

However, APHA said the presence of the virus in the British Isles and its proximity to Great Britain highlighted the potential for further spread across north-west Europe.

Although disease has been observed mainly in cattle, SHAV has also been detected in sheep, goats, alpacas and horses in several European countries.

Of particular interest are detections in horses suffering from neurological disease, including cases identified in Germany and Switzerland.

Some of the neurological signs reported can resemble those associated with notifiable equine diseases, including West Nile fever, potentially complicating investigations in horses showing neurological symptoms.

However, investigations are still under way to understand the association between SHAV infection and neurological disease in horses and the significance of those findings.

Neurological disease has not been recognised as a feature of Schmallenberg virus infection, marking a potentially important difference between the two related viruses.

In Great Britain, suspected cases of notifiable equine disease must be reported to APHA.

SHAV itself is not currently a notifiable disease in the UK.

APHA is nevertheless encouraging veterinary investigation where livestock or horses show clinical signs that could be consistent with SHAV infection.

Diagnostic testing has been developed and is available through APHA to support investigations.

Livestock and horse owners concerned about signs of disease in their animals are advised to contact their private vet.

Veterinarians investigating livestock cases can contact their local APHA Veterinary Investigation Centre where appropriate, while equine cases can be discussed with Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance.

If a notifiable disease is suspected, it must be reported immediately to APHA.

In England, suspected cases should be reported by calling 03000 200 301, while in Wales the number is 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, cases should be reported through the relevant Field Services Office.

APHA said it “continues to work with UK and international partners to improve understanding of the spread and impact”.

The agency is continuing surveillance and diagnostic work as researchers seek to establish more about how SHAV is spreading and the effects it may have on livestock and horses.