Detection of Shamonda Virus RNA in Blood and Milk from Water Buffaloes in Southern Italy

Shamonda virus (SHAV), an emerging orthobunyavirus detected in Europe in 2026, was investigated in dairy water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) following reports of reduced milk production in Campania, southern Italy. Twenty-three clinically affected lactating buffaloes from four farms were sampled in September 2026. EDTA blood samples were collected from 15 animals on two farms and individual milk samples from eight different animals on two other farms. Samples underwent SHAV RT-qPCR testing, together with molecular testing for Schmallenberg, bluetongue and epizootic hemorrhagic disease viruses. SHAV RNA was detected in 10/15 blood samples and 8/8 milk samples; the other viruses were not detected. Three blood samples from one farm were selected for genomic analysis. Phylogenies of the L, M, and S segments placed the resulting sequences within the SHAV-EU1 clade, alongside European cattle strains detected in 2026. Detection of viral RNA in milk establishes neither infectious virus nor mammary replication and does not demonstrate milk-borne transmission. The small, clinically selected sample and unpaired matrices preclude prevalence estimates, direct matrix comparisons, and causal attribution of reduced milk yield. These observations support targeted SHAV surveillance in water buffaloes.