Shamonda virus detected at UK dairy farms in Powys and Shropshire

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 4 Nov, 14:57 · Archive

Shamonda virus, an emerging livestock disease, has been detected at dairy farms in Powys and Shropshire.

Shamonda virus has been detected at two dairy farms in the UK for the first time, with cases confirmed at farms in Powys and Shropshire. Samples from the Powys farm were tested at Animal and Plant Health Agency laboratories in Weybridge. The virus is thought to spread primarily through Culicoides biting midges.

The detections follow reports of Shamonda virus in animals elsewhere in Europe during 2026, including more recently in cattle in Jersey and the Republic of Ireland. Officials said the detections were not unexpected and demonstrated the effectiveness of surveillance and diagnostic systems for identifying new and emerging diseases in livestock. SHAV is not a notifiable or reportable disease and there is currently no evidence to suggest additional disease-control measures are required.

The Welsh Government, Defra, Scottish Government and APHA will continue monitoring the situation and reviewing the response. Livestock keepers are being advised to monitor their animals for clinical signs and contact their private vet if they have concerns. Veterinary surgeons have been advised to familiarise themselves with the clinical signs associated with the virus. To date, a single human case has been identified in a severely immunosuppressed person in France. There is currently no evidence of wider transmission among humans and the risk to the general population is considered very low.

How it is being reported

• New livestock virus detected on Powys farm in first British casesShamonda virus has been confirmed on a Powys dairy farm, prompting veterinary authorities to urge farmers to remain vigilant.Cambrian News · 4 Nov, 14:30
• Shamonda virus detected at dairy farms in Powys and ShropshireShamonda virus detected on dairy farms in Powys and Shropshire. UK officials are monitoring livestock, while human and food safety risks remain very low.County Times · 2 Nov, 15:32

In this story: Powys · Shropshire · Animal and Plant Health Agency · Defra · Welsh Government · Scottish Government · France · Jersey

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