[REVISION HISTORY]

Shamonda-like orthobunyavirus spreads across Europe

30 recorded revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-30 13:12 UTC → 2026-11-01 08:17 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Shamonda-like orthobunyavirus outbreak continues to impact livestock across Europe, with its geographic footprint expanding significantly. In the Iberian Peninsula, the virus has been confirmed in both Portugal and Spain. In Spain, the virus has been detected in cattle farms across nine provinces, including Córdoba, Sevilla, Cádiz, Toledo, Ávila, Madrid, Girona, Cantabria, and Guipúzcoa. The detection in Guipúzcoa marks the first case in the Basque Country. While most confirmed cases in Spain are type 1, type 2 has been identified in Cantabria and Guipúzcoa. Transmitted by Culicoides insects, the virus typically causes mild symptoms in adult cattle, such as fever, diarrhea, and temporary decreases in milk production. However, authorities are monitoring pregnant females closely due to potential reproductive impacts, including fetal malformations or abortions. Because Shamonda is not on the European Union’s list of regulated diseases, detection does not trigger mandatory culling or movement restrictions; instead, measures focus on biosecurity and insect control. In response to the regional spread, Andorra has intensified prevention efforts, emphasizing tool disinfection and hygiene to prevent vector proliferation, despite having no confirmed cases. In Germany, the virus has spread rapidly across nearly all states, affecting sheep, goats, alpacas, and horses. In Central Europe, the Czech Republic has introduced mandatory, state-funded testing for cattle. The virus has also been confirmed in Austria, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, and Luxembourg. French authorities have confirmed the first documented human infection following the death of a severely immunocompromised leukemia patient in Lyon in early October. The patient, ~~described as being~~ an approximately ~~60 to over 70 years old,~~ 60-year-old individual with T-cell leukemia, died after developing neurological ~~complications~~ complications, including encephalitis, and multi-organ failure. While health experts and the World Health Organization note this remains an isolated incident with no evidence of human-to-human transmission, the case has prompted increased vigilance.

Versions

Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.