Martin Seeley, Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, calls for support for farmers after bluetongue outbreaks

Suffolk’s most senior bishop has called for more support for farmers and businesses in the wake of outbreaks of a deadly livestock disease.

Reverend Martin Seeley, Bishop of the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, expressed concerns for the livelihood of farmers after bluetongue disease was detected in animals in Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex.

The disease, which affects cattle, sheep, goats and deer, has led to movement restrictions on animals.

It is transmitted by midges and controlling the spread could prove challenging.

Bishop Martin said: “This disease is deadly for the animals, and the movement restrictions means farmers cannot take their animals to market.

“This severely affects the livelihood and well being of farmers and their families, as well as those in businesses that support our agriculture.”

Bishop Martin, who also sits as the President of the Suffolk Agricultural Association, said the group had been anticipating for some time that the disease could spread to the area.

This was due to the disease being present in midges on the other side of the North Sea.

The first case was detected in Haddiscoe, near Beccles, last week, with a 20km control zone put in place.

This was extended to Lowestoft after further cases were discovered.

Bishop Martin added: “What we need now is much more support for farmers and others who are suffering from the impact both of the disease in their livestock and the consequent restrictions on moving their farm animals.”