Shamonda virus is found on Shropshire and Powys farms for the first time as a vet warns of deformed calves

Three animals across two holdings have tested positive for Shamonda virus (SHAV), a midge-borne disease that has spread into western Europe this year from its origins in Africa. The virus causes fever, diarrhoea and reduced milk production in cattle, but Rob Hall, clinical director at LLM Farm Vets in Whitchurch, Shropshire, warned the worst effects may not emerge until calving season.

Infected pregnant animals risk miscarrying or giving birth to offspring with spinal defects, contorted limbs and brain disorders, Hall said.

The only known human case involved a severely immunocompromised patient in Lyon, France, last month — officials called it an "exceptional case" and say wider human transmission risk is very low.

Defra says SHAV is not a notifiable disease and no extra control measures are currently needed, but vets have been directed to learn to recognise the clinical signs.