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New bluetongue outbreak suspected New bluetongue outbreak suspected
(10 minutes later)
A possible new outbreak of the bluetongue virus is being investigated in Lincolnshire, rural affirs department Defra has said. A possible new outbreak of the bluetongue virus is being investigated in Lincolnshire, rural affairs department Defra has said.
Tests are being carried out on a suspect case at a farm in Spilsby.Tests are being carried out on a suspect case at a farm in Spilsby.
Bluetongue is a non-contagious virus spread by a midge species, affecting ruminants including sheep and cattle.Bluetongue is a non-contagious virus spread by a midge species, affecting ruminants including sheep and cattle.
The first case in the UK was detected last September. The disease spread to other parts of south-east England and restrictions remain in place.The first case in the UK was detected last September. The disease spread to other parts of south-east England and restrictions remain in place.
According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs website, there were 108 premises affected by bluetongue as of 14 March.According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs website, there were 108 premises affected by bluetongue as of 14 March.
Protection and surveillance zones are in place across much of England, and Spilsby is within the existing surveillance zone.Protection and surveillance zones are in place across much of England, and Spilsby is within the existing surveillance zone.
There is also a restricted zone in Wales.There is also a restricted zone in Wales.
All ruminants, such as cattle, goats, deer and sheep, are susceptible, although symptoms are generally most severe in sheep.All ruminants, such as cattle, goats, deer and sheep, are susceptible, although symptoms are generally most severe in sheep.
Signs of the disease in species vary, but key indicators include a high fever, excessive salivation, swelling of the head and neck, lameness and sometimes discolouration of the tongue.Signs of the disease in species vary, but key indicators include a high fever, excessive salivation, swelling of the head and neck, lameness and sometimes discolouration of the tongue.