# Orthobunyavirus outbreak in Central European cattle

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/orthobunyavirus-outbreak-in-central-european-cattle
> Updated: 2026-08-05T11:45:00.000Z. Sources: 21. Developments: 2.

In mid‑2024 a previously undescribed orthobunyavirus of the Simbu serogroup was detected in dairy cattle across the Baden‑Württemberg region of southern Germany. The Friedrich Loeffler Institute reported fever, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and a temporary drop in milk yield, with transmission by blood‑feeding Culicoides midges that remain active through November.

Within weeks the virus was confirmed in neighboring France (departments of Doubs, Savoie, Haute‑Savoie and Ain) and Switzerland. Researchers noted similar clinical signs and a short‑lived reduction in milk production. Genetic analysis linked the pathogen to Shamonda‑type viruses circulating in Africa, Asia and Australia, and to the Schmallenberg virus that caused fetal malformations in European cattle in 2011, though current cases appear less severe.

Authorities emphasized that the virus does not pose a significant risk to human health and is not transmissible to people. No vaccine is available, and studies are ongoing to understand its spread and potential impact on cattle reproduction.

The situation remains under surveillance as midges continue to be active, raising the possibility of further spread throughout the region.

## Claims

- A new orthobunyavirus was identified in cattle in France, Switzerland and Germany. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The virus causes fever and diarrhoea in affected cattle. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The infection leads to a temporary drop in milk production lasting a few days. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The virus is not transmissible to humans. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The virus is transmitted by small biting insects (midges). (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The virus is genetically close to the Schmallenberg virus that affected Western Europe from 2011. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The virus was detected in the French departments of Doubs, Savoie, Haute‑Savoie and Ain. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Researchers say there is no significant public‑health risk from the virus. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-05: New Orthobunyavirus Found in Cattle in France, Switzerland, Germany

A new orthobunyavirus in cattle across France, Switzerland and Germany causes fever, diarrhoea and short‑term milk loss, but is not transmissible to humans and poses no major health risk.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-orthobunyavirus-found-in-cattle-in-france-switzerland-germany

### 2026-08-03: New Orthobunyavirus Spreads Among Cattle in Southern Germany

Germany's Friedrich Loeffler Institute detected a new Simbu‑group orthobunyavirus in cattle, causing fever, diarrhea and reduced milk; cases also in Switzerland and France, no known human risk, potential fetal‑

18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-orthobunyavirus-detected-in-cattle-in-southern-germany

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Cite as: Orthobunyavirus outbreak in Central European cattle. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/orthobunyavirus-outbreak-in-central-european-cattle