The first scientific article based on the dissertation of Mikail Kelleci, a doctoral student at EUR UNITEID at the National Veterinary School of Toulouse (ENVT), highlights the detection of a new Shamonda-type Orthobunyavirus in numerous cattle farms in France and Europe.
Published in Eurosurveillance, the article “Detection of a Novel Shamonda Orthobunyavirus in Dairy Cattle, France, June 2026” examines the emergence of a new Orthobunyavirus in cattle in France and Europe.
Since the beginning of the summer of 2026, many French cattle farms have been experiencing outbreaks characterized by acute fever, lethargy, diarrhea, and a decline in milk production. Similar cases have also been reported in several European countries.
In light of unusual symptoms and negative results from targeted diagnostic tests, samples from sick animals were sent to the ENVT-INRAE teams. A metagenomic analysis then identified sequences belonging to the Orthobunyavirus group, particularly closely related to the Shamonda virus.
A molecular test specific to this new virus was then developed by the IHAP unit (INRAE-ENVT). It made it possible to rapidly analyze several hundred samples from various regions of France, in collaboration with the network of public laboratories.
Preliminary data indicate that infections in adult cattle may be associated with an acute, generally transient syndrome. However, the potential consequences for pregnant animals are receiving particular attention, especially with regard to possible reproductive disorders.
The rapid spread of the virus in France and several other European countries could be facilitated, in particular, by weather conditions that are favorable to insect vectors of the genus Culicoides.
As the’INRAE, work is now continuing to better characterize this virus, track its spread, and assess its health and economic impacts on livestock operations. At this stage, there is no evidence to suggest that this new virus can infect humans.
This publication also marks an important milestone in the career of Mikail Kelleci, a doctoral student at EUR UNITEID at ENVT; this is the first scientific article resulting from his dissertation, which he is completing under the supervision of Prof. Jean-Luc Guérin.