New virus detected among cattle in southern Germany raises spread concerns

A new virus has been detected among cattle herds in southern Germany, raising concerns about its potential spread as insect vectors remain active.

According to the Friedrich Loeffler Institute, Germany’s animal health research center, the virus causes symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, and reduced milk production, and is transmitted by small blood-sucking insects. Current data indicates that around 100 farms in the South Baden region have been affected, with no cattle deaths reported so far. Authorities have described the disease course as generally mild, with infected animals recovering within days.

Laboratory tests revealed that the virus belongs to the Orthobunyavirus serogroup, which is mainly found in Africa, Asia, and Australia. It is closely related to the Schmallenberg virus, which emerged in Germany in 2011 and caused significant damage to livestock, particularly sheep.

The institute confirmed that the infection primarily affects ruminant animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats. There is currently no evidence that the virus poses a significant risk to humans, though studies are ongoing to assess the likelihood of transmission and potential health impacts.

The greatest risk, according to the institute, is to the fetuses of pregnant animals, as