Shamonda virus

Shamonda virus

1. What is Shamonda virus? 

Shamonda virus (SHAV) is a virus that mainly affects animals, particularly cattle, sheep, goats and horses. It belongs to a group of viruses called orthobunyaviruses and is closely related to Schmallenberg virus.  

The virus is thought to be spread mainly through the bites of Culicoides midges, which are small biting insects.  

2. Has Shamonda virus been found in Ireland? 

On 2 October 2026, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) announced that a private laboratory had reported positive tests for Shamonda virus in bovine samples from two farms in County Cork. DAFM stated that these were the first reported detections of the virus in Ireland and that follow-up investigations were being undertaken. 

DAFM advises that Shamonda virus is not currently a notifiable animal disease in Ireland or the European Union.  

3. Can Shamonda virus infect people? 

A human infection with Shamonda virus has now been reported. 

In October 2026, France reported the first documented case of human disease caused by Shamonda virus. The person was already seriously ill and developed additional symptoms affecting the brain that were considered to be linked to Shamonda virus infection.  

As only one human case has been reported, knowledge about Shamonda virus infection in people remains very limited.  

This is an emerging situation, and information may change as further evidence becomes available. 

4. What is known about how people could become infected? 

It is not yet known with certainty how Shamonda virus might infect people. 

In animals, the virus is thought to spread through the bites of Culicoides midges. However, because only one human infection has been reported, there is currently very limited information about how the virus may spread to people. Investigations into the reported human infection are ongoing. 

5. What are the symptoms in people? 

There is currently very limited information about illness caused by Shamonda virus in people because only one human case has been reported. 

In that case, the person was already seriously ill and experienced additional brain-related symptoms considered to be linked to Shamonda virus infection. 

It is therefore not currently possible to define a typical set of symptoms for Shamonda virus infection in people. 

6. Who may be at greater risk? 

There is currently not enough information to identify particular groups who are at increased risk of Shamonda virus infection. 

The only reported human infection occurred in a person who was already seriously ill and was more susceptible to infection and complications. As only one human case has been reported, it is not possible to identify particular groups who may be at greater risk. 

7. What is the risk to people? 

Only one human infection with Shamonda virus has been reported to date. There is currently very limited evidence about how readily the virus can infect people or cause illness. 

Based on the limited information currently available, there is no evidence to suggest that Shamonda virus poses a significant risk to the general population. Public health authorities are continuing to monitor the situation as further information becomes available. 

8. Is there a treatment or vaccine? 

There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for Shamonda virus. As only one human infection has been reported, information about the infection in people remains very limited. 

9. What happens in animals? 

In animals, Shamonda virus can cause signs of illness such as fever, diarrhoea and reduced milk production. Infection during pregnancy may also affect pregnancy. 

If you are concerned about the health of an animal, contact your veterinary practitioner. 

10. Where can I find further information? 

Information about Shamonda virus is developing as international investigations continue. HPSC will review public health information as further evidence becomes available. 

For animal-health information, see advice from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. 

World Health Organization (WHO) for human health information  

World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) for animal health information 

European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) for information about first  human detection 

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