New disease in cattle sheds: Shamonda virus spreads, but poses little risk to people

The Shamonda virus is spreading among cattle in Baden-Württemberg, but the current warning for people is limited: based on what is known, the virus is not considered dangerous to humans.

By August 28, cattle at 244 farms had tested positive, according to an overview from the State Veterinary Investigation Office in Aulendorf. The Ravensburg district has recorded the highest number of cases, with more than 80 affected farms. Positive animals have also been identified in Biberach, Sigmaringen, Konstanz and the Lake Constance district. Almost every district in the state has reported at least one case.

The virus is transmitted by biting midges. It can cause fever, diarrhea and a noticeable drop in milk production, although many infected cattle show no signs of illness. The decline in milk output depends mainly on the severity of the fever. “Affected animals recover within a few days. No deaths have been reported so far,” a spokesman for the agriculture ministry said.

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Affected animals recover within a few days. No deaths have been reported so far.

The Friedrich Loeffler Institute also said there were no indications of infections or illness in humans. Viruses in this group generally are not considered pathogens that pass from animals to people. The variant has so far been detected in cattle, horses, sheep and goats in southern Germany, France and Switzerland.

The ministry said the spread is difficult to assess because the virus is not subject to mandatory reporting. It expects new infections to decline in the coming weeks as biting midge activity decreases and immunity among cattle increases. Depending on the weather, the insects can remain active into autumn, but their numbers usually fall sharply from November as days become colder and shorter.

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For the Shamonda virus there is no reporting requirement, so no reliable statement can be made on this.