Shamonda virus detected in Iberian Peninsula cattle

The Shamonda virus (SHAV) has been confirmed in the Iberian Peninsula, marking its first detection in Spain. Authorities in Spain and Portugal, including the Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária (DGAV), have called for increased epidemiological surveillance following the identification of the virus in bovine livestock.

In Spain, cases have been detected in cattle farms in Córdoba and Toledo, with further clinical suspicions being analyzed in other regions. The virus is transmitted via the bites of culicoides insects, and there is currently no evidence of significant direct transmission between animals, though vertical transmission from mother to fetus is possible.

Infected cattle may experience fever, diarrhea, and a reduction in milk production of between 10% and 20% for a period of 7 to 10 days. While most adult animals appear to recover, the virus can cause serious complications in pregnant females, including abortions or fetal malformations. Although morbidity can be high, no deaths attributable to the virus have been reported so far.