Reports from France's National Platform for Epidemiological Surveillance in Animal Health have revealed a rapid spread of a new virus called "European Shamonda" among dairy cattle herds in France, now affecting 22 French departments, following earlier cases recorded in Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and the Netherlands.
اضافة اعلان
Although this virus was previously discovered decades ago in Nigeria and Japan, this is the first time it has appeared within the European continent.
The outbreak's origins trace back to early summer 2026, in the departments of Doubs and Ain, where farmers noticed unusual symptoms in their cattle, including a sharp rise in body temperature, persistent diarrhea lasting several days, loss of appetite, lethargy, and a noticeable drop in milk production.
Dr. Stéphan Zientara, director of the animal health laboratory at France's National Agency for Food, Environmental, and Occupational Health Safety, told Le Figaro that the virus is transmitted by tiny insects known as "midges," native to hot regions, which bite infected animals and spread the virus to others.
Experts attribute the arrival of these insects in Europe to climate change and rising temperatures above 20°C, in addition to global trade movement and the import of goods.
Although the disease has so far been classified as mild to moderate in severity, veterinary authorities are warning of its serious risks to pregnant livestock, as it can cause miscarriage or birth defects in newborn calves. The possibility that it may also cause neurological disorders in horses in Switzerland is currently being investigated.
Health authorities in France have confirmed there is no evidence so far that the virus can transmit to humans, stressing that consuming milk and meat remains completely safe, while research teams continue working to assess the full impact of the disease.
Resource: Al-Ghad.
