Shamonda virus confirmed on UK dairy farms for the first time

2 November 2026

What has happened: The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has confirmed Shamonda virus (SHAV) in cattle on two dairy farms in Great Britain, one in Powys (Wales) and one in Shropshire (England). It is the first time the virus has been found in livestock in Great Britain. The detections were made in October and samples were tested at APHA's Weybridge laboratories. The virus has also been reported in other European countries this year, and more recently in cattle in Jersey and the Republic of Ireland.

Why it matters: Shamonda is thought to spread mainly through biting midges, the same insects that carry bluetongue. In cattle it can cause fever, diarrhoea, lethargy and a drop in milk yield, and abortions have been recorded in infected animals. For dairy herds, a fall in yield or unexplained abortions could cost money before anyone knows the cause.

What the rules say: SHAV is not a notifiable or reportable disease, and there is currently no evidence that extra disease-control measures are needed. There are no movement restrictions or zones. Defra, the Welsh and Scottish Governments and APHA will keep monitoring and review the response as evidence emerges.

What farmers should do:

• Watch cattle closely for fever, scour, dullness, reduced milk and abortions.
• Call your private vet if you are concerned. APHA advises treating animals based on clinical signs as early as possible.
• For diagnostic investigation, vets can contact their local APHA Veterinary Investigation Centre or Surveillance Pathology Partner (SRUC in Scotland).
• Remember that bluetongue is notifiable and has similar signs (lameness, lethargy, milk drop). Suspected bluetongue must be reported immediately, so do not assume an unusual illness is Shamonda without vet advice.
• Keep records of any unexplained milk drops or abortions to help your vet and the surveillance effort.

There is no deadline attached to this. APHA's Disease Information Note has clinical details for cattle, sheep and goats.

Human health and food: One human case has been identified, in a severely immunosuppressed person in France. The UK Health Security Agency sees no evidence of wider human transmission and rates the risk to the general population as very low. The Food Standards Agency has found no evidence of a food safety risk.

Sources:

• Shamonda virus detected in livestock in Great Britain for the first time – GOV.UK (APHA)
• Shamonda virus detected on UK dairy farms for first time – Agriland UK

This is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice.