Swiss cows struck by mystery illness
Genetic tests are under way as officials say the midgespread virus has caused fever, diarrhoea and lower milk output in affected herds.
- On Monday, authorities confirmed a virus previously unknown in Switzerland was detected in several acutely ill dairy cows, with the FSVO noting it is spread by biting midges.
- Investigations by the IVI identified the pathogen as an Orthobunyaviruses of the Simbu group, findings that align with recent evidence from France and Germany.
- Affected cattle typically experience a fever of over 40°C, diarrhea, and reduced milk production, with the IVI reporting the course of the disease lasted around 14 to 21 days.
- According to the FSVO, the illness is not highly contagious and does not fall under the Animal Diseases Ordinance, while the IVI indicated it poses no significant risk to humans.
- Although the link between the current heatwave and the outbreak remains unclear, experts noted high temperatures increase cattle susceptibility; the virus belongs to the same group as the Schmallenberg virus.
36 Articles
36 Articles
New virus discovered in cattle: FLI warns of possible spread throughout Germany until autumn.
A previously unknown virus has been detected in cattle in southern Baden.
A previously unknown virus causes a stir in cattle in southern Germany. The animals suffer from fever and diarrhea, while milk cows also reduce milk output. Particularly explosive: The pathogen transmitted by mosquitoes could have far-reaching consequences for unborn calves – and its further spread is currently difficult to estimate. The Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), the Federal Research Institute for Animal Health in Germany, has proven th…
Animal diseases have increased in several regions of the country, causing fever, diarrhea, and a significant decline in milk production.
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