Control zone in place after Bluetongue virus BTV3 detected in sheep in Haddiscoe, near Beccles

Measures have been put in place on the Norfolk-Suffolk border after a deadly virus was detected in sheep.

A 20km temporary control zone now covers an area around Haddiscoe, near Beccles, The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has said, having been put in place yesterday.

It follows the first case of the Bluetongue virus BTV3 being detected in sheep, on a farm in the village, for the 2024/25 season.

Surveillance is now under way to determine if the virus is circulating in the UK.

DEFRA said, due to current temperatures and activity for the insects responsible for the disease, there is a ‘high risk’ of spread to other parts of the UK.

Ele Brown, UK deputy chief veterinary officer, said Bluetongue did not pose a threat to human health or food safety but could impact livestock farms.

This can cause productivity issues, she said.

“This is the first animal in England that has shown clinical signs and been unwell from infection with bluetongue,” Ms Brown added.

“This detection is a clear reminder of the threat of the disease: farmers and their vets must remain vigilant and report any suspicions to APHA.”

Bluetongue is typically transmitted through midge bites and can affect cattle, goats, sheep and deer.

Impacts on animals can vary greatly, ranging from showing no signs of infection to productivity issues such as reduced milk yield or, in the most extreme cases, in can be fatal.

It does not affect people. Meat and milk from infected animals are safe to eat and drink.

Following the implementation of the measures, farmers and those keeping animals such as sheep, cattle and other ruminants, should remain vigilant.

Free testing remains available for animals moving from high-risk counties set to live elsewhere or those being sold at market within a high-risk county.