New 'shamonda-Europe' virus spreads among French cattle and small ruminants
A newly identified virus called shamonda-Europe, transmitted by biting midges, has been detected in dairy farms since June and is now present in multiple French regions.
Farmers are confronting a fresh threat after recent relief from a severe outbreak of contagious nodular dermatitis. The virus, named shamonda-Europe, spreads via midge bites and was first observed in June on dairy cattle. It has since been confirmed in several areas across France, affecting both cattle and small ruminants. Authorities had just announced eased movement restrictions for bovines following a vaccination campaign against the previous disease.
