Shamonda virus confirmed in livestock in Portugal and Spain

The Shamonda virus (SHAV) has been confirmed in livestock across the Iberian Peninsula. In Portugal, the Ordem dos Médicos Veterinários issued an alert following confirmation of the virus, which is transmitted to cattle and sheep via Culicoides biting midges.

Symptoms in adult cattle include fever, diarrhea, lethargy, and decreased milk production. In pregnant females, the virus can cause abortions and fetal malformations. While sheep and goats can be infected, they often show no clinical signs. There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment available, leaving insect protection as the primary control measure. Experts state there is no evidence the virus is zoonotic or poses a risk to humans.

In Spain, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) reported the first case of Shamonda type 2 in a cattle farm in Cantabria on October 7. While official details on the exact number of outbreaks are limited, livestock sector sources indicate the virus has already spread to five autonomous communities.