An infection with an orthobunyavirus has been detected on 4 cattle farms in the Netherlands. Using various sequence analysis techniques, Dutch animal health organisation Royal GD has identified the virus as the Shamonda-like virus. The virus had previously been detected in Switzerland, France and Germany.
Following a call from GD urging veterinarians to be on the alert for cattle exhibiting fever, diarrhoea and a drop in milk production, the Dutch animal health monitoring organisation GD-Veekijker service received multiple reports. In response, GD conducted farm visits at 8 locations on Tuesday 11 August and Thursday 13 August.
PCR-based laboratory analysis of samples from the first 4 farms revealed orthobunyavirus infections in 1 or more cattle. Subsequent testing using various sequence analysis techniques, including PathoSense, identified the pathogen as the Shamonda-like virus. This virus closely resembles the one recently detected in France, Switzerland and Germany. Samples have been forwarded to the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut in Germany for further confirmation.
Remaining vigilant
Royal GD is currently analysing findings from farm visits and reports made to the GD-Veekijker regarding clinical signs consistent with the Shamonda-like virus.
GD is asking veterinarians and livestock farmers to remain vigilant. Reports of unusual or atypical clinical presentations remain invaluable for monitoring animal health and the early detection of new developments.
Test does not distinguish
For cattle showing acute clinical signs – characterised by fever, diarrhoea and a drop in milk production – serum samples can be submitted for PCR testing for Schmallenberg virus. This involves an orthobunyavirus PCR that also detects the Shamonda-like virus. The test cannot distinguish between Schmallenberg virus and the Shamonda-like virus. The same applies to the detection of antibodies using the available Schmallenberg virus ELISA test.
PathoSense analysis can also be used for broad screening for potential infectious pathogens. This test also detects the Shamonda-like virus.