EXOone Shamonda Virus

Description

Shamonda virus (SHAV) is an RNA virus belonging to the Simbu serogroup of the Orthobunyavirus genus, transmitted mainly by hematophagous vectors such as Culicoides midges. It primarily affects domestic and wild ruminants, especially cattle, sheep and goats. Infection in adult animals is usually subclinical or associated with non-specific signs, whereas infection during pregnancy can lead to significant reproductive disorders, including abortions, stillbirths, the birth of weak offspring, and congenital malformations of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Due to its close relationship with other orthobunyaviruses of the Simbu serogroup involved in reproductive diseases, such as Schmallenberg virus, surveillance and specific diagnosis of SHAV are of great importance for livestock health management.

Detection of the virus using conventional methods may be challenging due to the short duration of viremia and the clinical similarity to other infections caused by Simbu serogroup viruses. In this context, RT-qPCR represents a rapid, sensitive and specific tool for the detection and identification of the viral genome.