The first case of shamonda virus (SHAV) in a human has been confirmed in France.
Until now, the disease, which was identified in late July 2026, had only affected animals.
It is understood the infected person had been receiving treatment for a serious illness that made them more susceptible to infection than the general population and has since died.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), in conjunction with French authorities, is investigating whether the virus caused or contributed to the patient’s death and how the infection was acquired.
SHAV was first identified in Europe in the summer of this year, although it had been present in Nigeria since the 1960s.
Ireland
The disease spread rapidly across the continent and the first three cases in Ireland were identified in early October in cows on two Cork farms.
It has been detected in cattle, sheep, goats, alpacas and horses in Europe, with cattle most commonly affected.
Signs of the disease include fever, diarrhoea, lethargy and reduced milk production.
It is not a notifiable disease in Ireland nor the EU, so its presence has no trade implications.
SHAV typically spreads between animals through bites from infected midges (Culicoides).
The ECDC is following developments in close contact with the European Commission and the European Food Safety Authority, which covers animal health and food safety across the EU.
