An emerging virus in Europe, known as Shamonda virus (SHAV), which is thought to be primarily spread by Culicoides biting midges, has been identified in animals in several European countries during 2026 including more recently in cattle in Jersey and the Republic of Ireland. In October 2026 SHAV was detected in cattle at two dairy farms, one located in Powys, Wales and one in Shropshire, England, after samples were collected and tested at APHA laboratories in Weybridge.
This detection is not unexpected given recent reports of the virus in Europe and demonstrates that our surveillance and diagnostic systems are effective in being able to identify new and emerging diseases in our livestock.
SHAV is not a notifiable or reportable disease and there is currently no evidence to suggest that additional disease-control measures are required; however, Defra, Welsh Government, Scottish Government and APHA will continue to monitor the epidemiological situation and review the response as further evidence becomes available.
Livestock keepers should continue to monitor their animals for clinical signs and contact their private veterinarian if they have concerns, and to treat animals based on clinical signs, as early as possible. Vets should familiarise themselves with the clinical signs described for SHAV. To discuss diagnostic investigation, contact your local APHA Veterinary Investigation Centre (VIC) or Surveillance Pathology Partner in England and Wales or SRUC .
Read about the clinical presentations associated with SHAV in cattle, sheep and goats in the Disease Information Note.
To date, a single human case of Shamonda virus infection has been identified in a severely immunosuppressed person in France. However, there is currently no evidence of wider transmission among humans and the current risk to the general population is considered very low. The UKHSA are continuing to monitor the situation closely
The Food Standards Agency has confirmed there is currently no evidence that Shamonda virus poses a food safety risk.