Shamonda Virus Found in UK Livestock for First Time

The Shamonda virus (SHAV), linked to the death of a person in France last month, has been found in livestock in the UK for the first time. The UK Health and Safety Agency (UKHSA) confirmed the detection in two dairy farms across England and Wales.

Previously, SHAV was only identified in cattle, sheep, goats, alpacas, and horses. It is believed to spread mainly through Culicoides biting midges. The virus was previously detected in animals in Jersey and the Republic of Ireland.

Last month, SHAV was identified at a dairy farm in Powys, Wales, and another in Shropshire, England, following testing of samples. Only one human case of SHAV has been recorded, involving a severely immunosuppressed person in Lyon, France.

Officials described the case as an 'exceptional case in a severely immunocompromised patient.' They noted that SHAV had not been detected in humans before, despite circulating in Africa and Asia for decades. The UKHSA reiterated that there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission and the risk to the general population remains very low.

Livestock keepers are being urged to monitor their animals for signs of SHAV and contact a veterinarian if they have concerns. The Food Standards Agency confirmed there is no evidence that SHAV poses a risk to food safety in Britain.