Sick cattle in Switzerland: Cause of viral infection identified
The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) has found the cause of a major wave of illness among Swiss cattle. In the summer of 2026, thousands of animals suffered from high fever and a significant drop in milk production.
Following extensive investigations, experts were able to identify the responsible virus. It is a so-called orthobunyavirus from the Simbu serogroup. These viruses are generally transmitted by small insects, such as midges.
The affected farmers throughout Switzerland were heavily burdened by the sudden decline in milk yield. Identifying the pathogen is an important step in better understanding the spread of the disease and developing more targeted protective measures for livestock in the future.
The FSVO continues to monitor the situation closely. The authorities are working closely with veterinarians to support the affected farms and gather further information on the transmission routes of the virus.