Recently, a novel virus has been identified among ruminants in Western Europe. This virus, the so-calledSchmallenberg virus, belongs to the family Bunyaviridae, genus Orthobunyavirus, serogroup Simbu and isclosely related to Akabane, Aino and Shamonda virus. In cattle, acute symptoms in the dam and adult animalsgenerally include high fever, milk drop and diarrhea. More importantly, infection during gestation may leadto abortion, stillbirth and congenital malformations. As all bunyaviruses, Schmallenberg virus also uses vectorsfor efficient transmission. Closely related viruses causing similar symptoms, such as Akabane and Akabane-like viruses, are mainly transmitted by Culicoides. It is very likely that Schmallenberg virus is transmittedby similar vectors. This review provides an overview of Bunyaviridae, their epidemiology, symptoms, preventionand control. Special emphasis is put on the Simbu serogroup of the Orthobunyavirus genus pointing outthe similarities between them and closely related members.