The European variant of the Shamonda virus (Shamonda virus/DE/2026), which was introduced recently, is continuing to spread amongst cattle in Germany. The FLI has now confirmed infections in cattle in the states of Rhineland-Palatinate and Hesse. Furthermore, initial sequence comparisons suggest that the cases in Switzerland and France are likely to be caused by the same virus. Further spread is to be expected.
The virus is still referred to as the Shamonda virus (SHAV) because it is too similar to the virus that has been known since the 1960s to warrant a different name. However, the current European variant exhibits some genetic differences from SHAV strains previously found in Africa and Asia.
Switzerland was the first country to report unusual cases of the disease in cattle. The exact timing of the introduction of the Shamonda virus into Europe remains unclear, and investigations into this are ongoing. Further cases, including in other federal states, are expected.
The FLI has already provided the federal states’ veterinary laboratories with diagnostic test protocols. This will enable initial investigations of suspected cases to be carried out in the relevant state laboratories.
Further information on the Shamonda virus is available on the FLI’s dedicated webpage.
