A previously unknown virus has been detected in cattle across southern Germany, with around 100 farms affected in the South Baden region alone. The pathogen causes fever, diarrhoea and reduced milk production in infected animals, authorities said.
The Friedrich Loeffler Institute identified the pathogen as an Orthobunyavirus of the Simbu serogroup after analysing samples from four affected herds in Baden-Württemberg. Researchers noted significant genetic similarity to Shamonda viruses, describing it as "Shamonda-like." The virus is related to the Schmallenberg virus, which reached Germany in 2011 and affected more than 2,000 farms. Infections with related viruses can cause abortions, stillbirths and severe congenital malformations in pregnant animals.
The virus is transmitted by blood-sucking midges of the genus Culicoides, which remain active until November, raising concerns about further spread. Similar cases were reported earlier in Switzerland and France. Officials say there is currently no significant risk to human health.