The IVI is the Swiss reference laboratory for several viral diseases in ruminants (under Article 49 of the Epizootic Diseases Ordinance EzDO), with laboratories in Mittelhäusern and Bern.
See below for relevant information on our virus genome and antibody detection services for diseases of cattle, sheep, goats, camelids and other ruminants, and on which samples to send where. Please also note the correct procedure in a case of suspected epizootic disease.
On 31 July 2026, the IVI detected the Shamonda virus in samples taken from cattle with fever, diarrhoea and a drop in milk yield. This is the first occurrence of another virus of the Simbu serogroup in Switzerland since the first Schmallenberg virus outbreak in 2012. The virus has since also been detected in aborted bovine foetuses and in horses with central nervous system disorders.
Free tests for Shamonda virus (SHAV) in samples from adult animals will only be offered until the end of September 2026, and samples will only be tested for a fee (CHF 100) from 1 October. Samples from aborted foetuses and from malformed/affected young animals will continue to be tested free of charge for Shamonda virus SHAV at the IVI. The costs of these tests are covered by the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office FSVO.
Epizootic haemorrhagic disease is a vector-borne epizootic disease (Epizootic Diseases Ordinance EzDO). IVI diagnostics are carried out in Mittelhäusern.
Sample material:
Viral genome detection (RT-qPCR) - Live animal: EDTA blood - Dead animal: spleen, lymph nodes
Schmallenberg virus mainly affects cattle, sheep and goats and is transmitted by vectors; this disease is not classed as an epizootic and diagnostics are carried out in Mittelhäusern.
Sample material:
Viral genome detection (RT-qPCR) - Live animal: EDTA blood or serum - Dead animal: brain, spleen, body cavity fluid
Antibody detection (ELISA) - Live animal: Serum - Dead animal: body cavity fluid
Lumpy Skin Disease is a highly contagious epizootic disease (Epizootic Diseases Ordinance EzDO). IVI diagnostics are carried out in Mittelhäusern.
Sample material:
Viral genome detection (qPCR) - Live animal: biopsy of skin/mucous membrane lesions, EDTA blood, nasal swab, oral swab, (serum) - Dead animal: biopsy of skin/mucous membrane lesions; nasal swab, lymph node lesions (cervical/ mediastinal), lungs (especially if organ lesions are present), EDTA blood if possible
Peste des petits ruminants is a highly contagious epizootic disease (Epizootic Diseases Ordinance EzDO). IVI diagnostics are carried out in Mittelhäusern.
Sample material:
Viral genome detection (RT-qPCR) - Live animal: eye and nasal swabs, EDTA blood - Dead animal: eye and nasal swabs, mesenteric lymph nodes, lungs, spleen, tonsils, (EDTA blood if still possible)
Sheep and goat pox is a highly contagious epizootic disease (Epizootic Diseases Ordinance EzDO). IVI diagnostics are carried out in Mittelhäusern.
Sample material:
Viral genome detection (qPCR) - Live animal: biopsy of skin/mucous membrane lesions, EDTA blood, nasal swab, oral swab, (serum) - Dead animal: biopsy of skin/mucous membrane lesions; nasal swab, lymph node lesions (cervical/ mediastinal), lungs (especially if organ lesions are present), EDTA blood if possible
Enzootic bovine leukosis is classed as an «epizootic disease to be eradicated» (Epizootic Diseases Ordinance EzDO). IVI diagnostics are carried out in Bern.
Sample material:
Provirus detection (RT-qPCR) - Live animal: for confirmation of clinical cases in consultation with reference laboratory - Dead animal: changes in organs and/or lymph nodes
Caprine arthritis encephalitis is classed as an «epizootic disease to be eradicated» (Epizootic Diseases Ordinance EzDO). IVI diagnostics are carried out in Bern.
Sample material:
Provirus detection (RT-qPCR) - Live animal: EDTA blood - Dead animal: changes in organs
Ovine pulmonary adenomatosis is classed as an «epizootic disease to be eradicated» (Epizootic Diseases Ordinance EzDO). IVI diagnostics are carried out in Bern.
Sample material:
Viral genome detection (RT-qPCR) - Live animal: nasal discharge, EDTA blood in consultation with reference laboratory - Dead animal: lung tissue with changes, confirmation by histopathological examination of lung
