Shamonda Virus Reaches Ireland After 2026 Spread Across Europe

Shamonda virus has been detected for the first time in Ireland, extending the 2026 spread of the emerging midge-borne livestock virus across north-west Europe.

Positive bovine samples were reported from two farms in County Cork. Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs issued an alert on October 5 after the Irish findings, while a case had already been confirmed in Jersey in September.

The virus mainly affects cattle

Shamonda virus is thought to be spread primarily by Culicoides biting midges and belongs to the same group of viruses as Schmallenberg virus. Reported signs in cattle include fever, diarrhoea, lethargy and reduced milk production, while abortions and congenital abnormalities are also possible.

The virus has also been detected in sheep, goats, alpacas and horses in Europe. UK animal-health authorities have highlighted neurological disease reported in some infected horses, an area that remains under investigation.

There are no trade restrictions, but surveillance matters

Shamonda is not currently a notifiable disease in Ireland, Northern Ireland or the wider EU framework cited by authorities, and the Cork detections do not trigger animal-movement or trade restrictions. There is also no known human-health impact.

There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment. For livestock producers, the immediate significance is disease recognition and veterinary investigation, especially as another midge-borne virus is spreading through regions already managing bluetongue risk.