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Bluetongue disease detected in UK Bluetongue disease detected in UK
(40 minutes later)
The first-ever case of Bluetongue disease in Britain has been found in a cow near Ipswich, Suffolk.The first-ever case of Bluetongue disease in Britain has been found in a cow near Ipswich, Suffolk.
Defra officials confirmed discovery of the insect-borne virus, which is usually found around the Mediterranean.Defra officials confirmed discovery of the insect-borne virus, which is usually found around the Mediterranean.
All species of ruminants, which include goats and deer as well as cattle, can be infected. All ruminants, which include cattle, sheep, goats and deer, can be infected, but the viral infection is not thought to pose a risk to human health.
The viral infection is not thought to pose a risk to human health. In 2006, cases were found in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Since July there have been nearly 3,000 cases in Northern Europe, fuelling fears of its arrival in the UK.
The bluetongue is transmitted by the Culicoides imicola midge. It is transmitted by the Culicoides imicola midge. It is passed from animal to midge, and from midge to animal - it is not transmitted from animal to animal.
The virus has long affected Africa but in recent years has begun to spread northwards into Europe as the range of the biting insects has increased. The virus has long blighted Africa, but in recent years has begun to spread northwards into Europe as the range of the biting insects has increased.
Some scientists believe that climate change could be behind its spread, as warmer temperatures have seen the midges gradually move north.
Farming under fire
Animals with the disease experience discomfort, with flu-like symptoms, swelling and haemorrhaging in and around the mouth and nose. They can also go lame and have difficulty eating properly.
There is no treatment once infectedThe news comes as the farming industry has been struggling with movement and export restrictions imposed due to the foot-and-mouth outbreaks in Surrey.
The farming ministry Defra said bluetongue was a different infection to foot-and-mouth and so efforts to contain it were also different. Currently there is no vaccine for the strain of the disease that has hit Northern Europe.
Nor was it a confirmed outbreak unless further investigation found other cases.
Once infected, up to 70% of a flock of sheep can die from the virus. While infected animals can recover - and become immune - productivity is reduced with milk yields in dairy herds dropping by about 40%.