New Virus Detected in Swiss Cattle Raises Concerns Among Farmers
A new orthobunyavirus of the Simbu serogroup has been identified in Swiss cattle, according to the Institute of Virology and Immunology. This discovery comes after a series of illnesses in cattle, characterized by symptoms such as high fever, reduced milk production, and loss of appetite. The virus is transmitted by midges and is not considered highly contagious or a significant risk to humans. The disease's course in affected cattle lasts about 14 to 21 days. The current heatwave may have increased the animals' susceptibility to the virus, although this link remains unconfirmed. Similar findings have been reported in Germany and France, prompting the institute to advise farmers to seek veterinary assistance if they observe unusual symptoms in their livestock. 
