European authorities track spreading midge-transmitted orthobunyavirus in cattle across multiple countries

A newly identified virus transmitted by midges is circulating across central Europe, affecting cattle and raising concerns among veterinary authorities, with no current human health threat.

European veterinary authorities are tracking a newly identified midge-transmitted orthobunyavirus that is circulating in cattle and appears to be moving beyond its initial detections in central Europe.

The Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut in Germany said the so-called Shamonda-like virus was first confirmed in cattle in southern Germany, with later cases in Rhineland-Palatinate and Hesse. Swiss officials have also reported infections across 17 cantons and in Liechtenstein, while France’s agriculture ministry has said the impact in affected dairy herds remains limited for now. Authorities in Austria and the Netherlands have since reported cases as well.

The virus is closely related to the Simbu serogroup, including Schmallenberg virus, which caused concern in European livestock more than a decade ago. According to the Swiss Institute of Virology and Immunology, infected cattle can show fever, diarrhoea and lower milk output, while pregnant animals may abort and calves can suffer foetal deformities.

The FLI expects further spread and has shared diagnostic protocols with veterinary laboratories. There is no vaccine or specific treatment, leaving insect control and herd protection as the main tools available to farmers. Officials have not classified the virus as a human health threat.