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Guidance

Shamonda virus (SHAV) disease information note: SHAV in animals

Published 2 November 2026

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/shamonda-virus-infection-in-animals/shamonda-virus-shav-disease-information-note-shav-in-animals

Shamonda virus (SHAV) is an orthobunyavirus of the Simbu serogroup and is closely related to Schmallenberg virus (SBV). It is believed to be spread by Culicoides biting midges, which also spread SBV and bluetongue virus. 

During 2026, outbreaks of acute disease associated with SHAV were described in cattle in several European countries, including the Republic of Ireland, Jersey and Great Britain. Historically, SHAV had only been detected in Africa and Asia, making its occurrence in Europe unusual. Two genetically distinct variants or clades are known to be circulating in Europe, Shamonda virus European Clade I (SHAV-EU1) and Shamonda virus European Clade II (SHAV-EU2). 

SHAV has been identified in cattle, horses, sheep, goats and alpacas. However, disease associated with SHAV has mainly been found in cattle, particularly adult dairy cattle. Congenital abnormalities have also been found in calves and lambs. In horses, acute or subacute neurological disease has been described, sometimes alongside other signs such as pyrexia. 

SHAV is not notifiable or reportable. However, some of its clinical signs are similar to those of notifiable animal diseases.

Clinical signs

Two main clinical presentations have been associated with SHAV: 

1. Acute disease, with several animals in the herd affected at the same time, showing signs including:  

  • reduced rumination 
  • anorexia 
  • lethargy 
  • sudden, temporary reduction in milk yield 
  • acute diarrhoea, which may be foul-smelling  
  • transient high fever (>40°C) lasting up to 2 days 
  • reproductive effects, including returns to service, abortions, increased rates of retained fetal membranes, metritis and endometritis, have been observed in affected herds alongside acute clinical disease 

2. Congenital or fetal abnormalities including: 

  • musculoskeletal deformities including arthrogryposis (fixed joints), torticollis (twisted neck), and scoliosis (curvature of the spine) 
  • brain deformities including hydranencephaly, porencephaly and cerebellar hypoplasia 

Acute disease associated with SHAV has predominantly been described in adult dairy cattle.

Morbidity has been variable, although very high within-herd morbidity has been described in some outbreaks, with affected herds experiencing clinical signs for approximately 2 to 3 weeks. Direct deaths have not been described. To date, acute disease has not been observed in sheep or goats.  

Congenital abnormalities associated with SHAV in Europe have been described in cattle and sheep following in-utero infection.

When to suspect a case 

Consider SHAV in cases where: 

  • several cattle within the same herd simultaneously develop acute fever, diarrhoea (can be foul smelling), reduced rumination, lethargy, inappetence and a sudden reduction in milk yield  
  • reproductive losses (including returns to service and abortion) are seen 
  • calves or lambs are born with congenital abnormalities compatible with in-utero viral infection 
  • alternative diagnoses do not adequately explain the presentation

Gaps in our knowledge 

Further epidemiological studies and experimental investigations are needed to fully understand the role of SHAV in the clinical presentations described to date.  

Uncertainties include: 

  • which species can be affected (host range) 
  • the spectrum of clinical signs in different species 
  • impact of infection in different production systems and age groups 
  • the teratogenic potential of the virus

Human health 

There is no evidence that SHAV poses a food safety risk.

UKHSA has undertaken a rapid risk assessment, and this considers SHAV to present a very low risk to the general population in the UK at the current time. A full assessment is being undertaken by the Human Animal Infection and Risk Surveillance (HAIRS) group.

Risk to livestock in Great Britain 

Although SHAV has been detected in Great Britain, the current geographical distribution and prevalence of infection remain uncertain. 

Continued investigation of suspected cases is important to improve our understanding of the epidemiology, distribution and impact of SHAV in Great Britain. 

As SHAV has only recently emerged in Europe, population immunity is likely to be low. There is no evidence to suggest that prior exposure to SBV offers protection from SHAV infection.

Treatment and prevention 

There is no specific treatment for SHAV infection. Management is limited to supportive veterinary care for clinically affected animals. Based on field experience from affected herds, early use of anti-inflammatory drugs appeared to reduce the severity of clinical signs and the duration of illness in some animals.  

Pregnant animals should be closely monitored and reproductive abnormalities investigated. 

There are currently no licensed vaccines available and effective prevention of midge exposure is difficult under field conditions.

How to investigate suspected cases 

APHA encourages vets who see cattle, sheep or goats in England and Wales with clinical signs compatible with SHAV to contact their nearest APHA Veterinary Investigation Centre or surveillance pathology partner or SRUC Veterinary Surveillance to discuss the case with the duty vet.

Vets with questions can also contact: 

APHA provides free SBV and SHAV testing from October 2026 to May 2027 for calves, lambs and kids with arthrogryposis or other congenital musculoskeletal abnormalities. Submit a fresh brain sample (brainstem preferred) and request testing for SBV and SHAV on the submission form. 

The clinical presentations and signs associated with SHAV are not specific to the virus. Clinical signs may overlap with some notifiable diseases, including bluetongue. 

You must report suspected notifiable disease in: 

  • England: 03000 200 301
  • Scotland: 03000 600 704
  • Wales: 03003 038 268

Monday to Sunday, 24 hours

Find out about call charges

Further information 

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