New cattle disease spreads across Europe

A viral disease affecting cattle, previously unreported in Europe, is spreading across the region and could cause significant declines in milk yields and reproductive problems. The disease is caused by Shamonda virus (SHAV), which was first detected in Europe during the summer of 2026. By the end of October, infections had been reported in 14 European countries and territories, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Czechia, according to the Ukrainian Milk Producers Association.

The virus was first identified in cattle in Nigeria in 1965 and had previously been detected mainly in Africa and Asia. Its primary vectors are believed to be blood-feeding midges of the genus Culicoides. Direct transmission between animals has not yet been confirmed, although transmission from mother to fetus is possible, posing particular risks to pregnant cows.

The disease can cause fever, diarrhea, sharp declines in milk production, abortions, stillbirths and congenital abnormalities in calves. According to Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture, milk yields at some affected farms fell by more than 20% over a period of 7–10 days. Such losses could negatively affect dairy farm profitability, although the long-term consequences of the infection’s spread remain insufficiently studied.

Additional concerns were raised by the first documented case of human infection in France, reported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) on October 22. The patient, who had severe immunodeficiency, died in early October, but the possible role of the virus in the death and the route of infection remain under investigation. No cases of human-to-human transmission have been established.

As the disease spreads across Europe, the Ukrainian Milk Producers Association recommends that Ukrainian farms strengthen veterinary monitoring, paying particular attention to sudden declines in milk yields, fever, abortions and stillbirths. Experts also advise including Shamonda virus in laboratory testing alongside other related infections, controlling populations of blood-feeding insects and monitoring the animal health situation in neighboring countries. Ukraine’s main priority remains preparing for the early detection of potential cases.

Tags: EU, cattle