Shamonda Virus Confirmed in Jersey Cattle
The Animal and Plant Health Agency identified the midge-borne virus in Jersey livestock in August 2026.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Large Animals
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In August 2026, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) confirmed the presence of the Shamonda virus in cattle on Jersey. The virus, which has appeared in several European countries, is transmitted through midge bites and impacts livestock health.
Why it matters
The virus causes significant health issues in livestock, including fever, lethargy, reduced milk production, and birth defects, which threatens agricultural stability. Because it has spread across Europe, authorities are monitoring its impact on cattle, sheep, goats, and horses.
In 2025, Jersey exported 4.1 million litres of milk and dairy products. The virus is not transmissible to humans or via dairy products, but it necessitates reporting through official channels like the APHA contact line at 03000 200 301.
The players
Animal and Plant Health Agency
This executive agency is responsible for animal health and welfare and the identification of infectious diseases in livestock.
The details
The Shamonda virus is spread primarily by Culicoides biting midges and triggers symptoms such as diarrhoea and fever in affected animals. While the virus does not pose a health risk to humans, it can lead to abortions and birth defects in calves, potentially reducing future stock numbers.
Timeline
Jersey exported 4.1 million litres of milk products throughout 2025.
The APHA detected the Shamonda virus in Jersey cattle during August 2026.
Culture Shift
The detection of this virus represents a broader challenge to agricultural biosecurity as midge-borne pathogens continue to emerge across European regions. This follows the pattern set by the 2026 identification of Shamonda virus in European livestock.
Farmers and livestock owners should remain vigilant for clinical signs of the virus, such as reduced milk production or lethargy. Owners should contact the APHA at 03000 200 301 or local reporting lines in Wales and Scotland if they suspect the presence of the disease.
The takeaway
While the Shamonda virus poses no threat to human health or dairy consumption, it remains a serious concern for animal welfare and agricultural productivity. Farmers are encouraged to monitor livestock closely and report any suspected symptoms to the appropriate health agencies immediately.
Further reading
Learn more about agricultural health and livestock management in the Large Animals section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Star.
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