The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) reported that since mid-July, there has been a surge in the number of cases in several regions of the country: cows have fever, diarrhea, and produce less milk.
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“In samples from several severely ill cows examined by the Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), a Simbu group orthobunyavirus was detected – a virus that was previously unknown in Switzerland,” said the FSVO.
The office added that genetic studies are currently being conducted to determine the exact type of virus and to find out whether it is the cause of other reported illnesses.
According to the FSVO, Simbu group orthobunyaviruses are mainly spread by blood-sucking insects, and currently, there are no vaccines to protect against them.
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The IVI stated that its preliminary data matches data from France and Germany, “where there is also growing suspicion that an orthobunyavirus is circulating.”
The IVI said that Simbu group viruses are mainly found in Africa, Asia, and Australia.
“It is currently unclear whether there is a connection between the current heatwave and reports of illnesses,” the institute added. “However, high temperatures cause significant stress, especially to high-producing dairy cows, and may increase their susceptibility to diseases.”
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