Shamonda virus found on UK dairy farms for the first time
The UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has confirmed the Shamonda virus in cattle on two dairy farms in Wales and England. The disease is not notifiable, and no extra control measures are currently considered necessary.
The UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed on Monday, 2 November, that the Shamonda virus has been detected in the country for the first time, in cattle on two dairy farms. One farm is in Powys, Wales, and the other in Shropshire, England. The virus mainly affects cattle, so the finding matters to livestock keepers.
About the virus
Shamonda virus is believed to be spread by Culicoides biting midges. This year it has been identified in animals in several European countries. In cattle it causes fever, diarrhoea, lethargy and reduced milk production, and abortions have also been documented.
Earlier detections
Defra had previously confirmed the virus in cattle in Jersey in August. Last month it was also detected for the first time in Ireland, where a private laboratory in the south of the country found it in samples from three animals on two farms, understood to be dairy farms.
Defra's assessment
Defra describes the latest UK detections as "not unexpected" and says they show the country's surveillance and diagnostic systems can identify new and emerging livestock diseases. The department stresses that Shamonda virus is not a notifiable or reportable disease and that there is currently no evidence that additional disease-control measures are needed.
Together with the Welsh Government, the Scottish Government and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Defra says it will keep monitoring the epidemiological situation and review its response as more evidence emerges. Livestock keepers are urged to keep watching their animals for clinical signs, contact their private vet if concerned, and treat animals as early as possible based on clinical signs.
