Shamonda virus is a vector-borne virus belonging to the genus Orthobunyavirus in the family Peribunyaviridae. It is part of the Simbu serogroup, which also includes Schmallenberg virus. Transmitted by midges, Shamonda virus was first isolated from cattle in Nigeria in 1965. From the early 2000s onwards, the virus has been identified in other regions of Africa and Asia, before the recent identification in Europe. 
The outbreaks in Europe in 2026 have been shown to be caused by two different variants of the virus, designated as Shamonda virus Europe 1 (SHAV-EU1) and Shamonda virus Europe 2 (SHAV-EU2). 

Reports indicate the emergence and spread of a Shamonda-like virus in several countries in Europe. The level of detail and quality of evidence is variable and is dependent on individual country’s capacity for surveillance, laboratory diagnosis, and publication of information. 

The long-term impact and significance of the disease in Europe cannot currently be determined. Outbreaks caused by Simbu group viruses (which includes Shamonda and Shamonda-like viruses) tend to occur in cycles following the seasonal patterns of midges. However, the behaviour of the European variants of Shamonda, and specifically their behaviour in immunologically naive cattle populations, may differ from that of Shamonda virus in endemic countries. 

According to recent reports, the virus is most commonly reported in cattle, but there have also been cases in horses, alpaca, sheep and goats. 

Shamonda virus has historically not been recognised as a cause of disease in humans. However, the first ever reported human infection with Shamonda virus was reported in October 2026 in France. Further investigations are required to understand if the virus caused or contributed to the patient’s death, as well as how they became infected. 
WOAH is working closely with WHO and our scientific network to better understand and monitor any potential human health risk. 

Transmission is currently understood to occur through bites from Culicoides midges. There is currently no evidence of direct animal-to-animal transmission, however vertical transmission has been reported. Further evidence is needed to better understand all routes of transmission. 

Clinical sings  include: 
Fever 
Diarrhoea 
Reduced milk production 
Abortions 
Reproductive disorder such as abortions and foetal malformations 
Neurologic disorders (reported less commonly and demonstrated in some horses)  

Yes, Shamonda virus has been associated with congenital malformations and reproductive disorders. There have been reports of abortions and severe foetal malformations in some affected animals in the 2026 outbreaks in Europe, however, the European Shamonda virus variants’ full teratogenic effects currently remain unknown. 

Due to unspecific clinical signs, laboratory diagnosis is necessary. It includes: 
– Pan-Simbu PCR 
– Specific RT-PCR targeting the S segment 
– Sequencing and multi-segment screening of the M and L segments 
– Commercial real-time RT-PCR kits available in Europe 
– Serum neutralization tests for antibody detection and differentiation from other Simbu serogroup viruses 
– Suitable sample types include: 
– EDTA blood 
– Serum from animals in the acute phase of infection 
– Brain tissue from aborted foetuses 
– Spleen tissue from aborted foetuses  

There are currently no commercially available vaccines against Shamonda virus.  

According to the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), there appears to be little cross-protection from existing immunity to Schmallenberg virus. The potential impact of this finding is unknown.  

Control of potential Culicoides vectors during the vector-active season may decrease the transmission of virus. Risk management strategies may include: 
– Physical barriers such as fine mesh screens and double-door entry-exit systems 
– Reducing or eliminating vector breeding sites 
– Vector surveillance and control around buildings 
– Use of insect repellents during animal transport 
– Transporting animals during periods of low vector activity  

Further details preventing Culicoides attacks can be found in Chapter 8.3 (Infection with Bluetongue virus), Article.8.3.13 of the WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code. 

No, infection with Shamonda virus is not a WOAH listed disease and it is not recognised as an emerging disease under Article 1.1.4 of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code. However, WOAH encourages affected Members to voluntary report the information under Article 1.1.5 of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code. Such information supports transparency and helps improve our Members’ understanding of the epidemiology, distribution and impact of the virus. Further details on how to report under Article 1.1.5 is available on Reporting under Article 1.1.5 : WAHIS Support

– Strengthen monitoring systems where national risk assessment indicates likelihood of virus introduction and circulation.   
– Include Shamonda virus infection in the differential diagnosis of congenital malformations, stillbirths and reproductive disorders in susceptible species, where relevant and investigate suspected cases potentially associated with Shamonda virus infection. 
– Collaborate with WOAH Reference Centres and partner laboratories to support diagnosis, characterisation and risk assessment activities and continue to inform WOAH of important animal health events.