Three more animals confirmed to have bluetongue virus BTV3 as control zone extended to Lowestoft
Three more animals have been confirmed to have contracted the bluetongue virus.
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) said the BTV3 virus was detected in sheep on two new premises in Norfolk and Suffolk.
It said the animals will be humanely culled to minimise the risk of onward transmission.
Earlier this week, the first case of the deadly virus was detected in a sheep on a farm in Haddiscoe, south of Beccles.
A 20km temporary control zone was put in place across the Norfolk-Suffolk border to restrict the movement of livestock, such as ruminants and camelids.
The border, which covered an area around Haddiscoe, near Beccles, has now been extended to include Lowestoft as well as Norwich and Great Yarmouth, in the neighbouring county.
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.
