Czech Republic mandates testing for Shamonda virus in livestock

The State Veterinary Administration (SVS) in the Czech Republic has introduced mandatory testing for the Shamonda virus (SHAV), which has recently emerged across several European countries. The virus primarily affects cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and alpacas.

State-funded mandatory examinations will focus on cattle, specifically targeting abortions, calves born with malformations, or stillborn and non-viable calves. These tests are conducted by the State Veterinary Institutes in Prague, Jihlava, and Olomouc. While the state covers specific mandatory cases, breeders may opt for private testing at their own expense if they suspect infection in their animals.

The Shamonda virus, part of the Simbu group, was first detected in Central Europe in the summer of 2026. It has been confirmed in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, and Luxembourg. The virus is transmitted mainly by biting midges of the genus Culicoides or from mother to fetus during pregnancy. While the virus can cause fever, weakness, reduced milk production, and neurological symptoms in animals, it is not considered dangerous to humans.