This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/7009044.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Local farmers on bluetongue alert Local farmers on bluetongue alert
(1 day later)
Farmers in Northern Ireland have been urged to remain vigilant after bluetongue disease was found in a cow in Suffolk.Farmers in Northern Ireland have been urged to remain vigilant after bluetongue disease was found in a cow in Suffolk.
The insect-borne virus, which has killed livestock across Europe, was in a Highland cow on a farm near Ipswich.The insect-borne virus, which has killed livestock across Europe, was in a Highland cow on a farm near Ipswich.
It was the first case in the UK of the disease, which poses no risk to humans but can prove fatal to livestock.It was the first case in the UK of the disease, which poses no risk to humans but can prove fatal to livestock.
The Department of Agriculture said farmers should regularly inspect their animals for signs of the disease.The Department of Agriculture said farmers should regularly inspect their animals for signs of the disease.
Northern Ireland's ports remain closed to livestock from Great Britain following recent foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks which have already left the farming industry reeling.Northern Ireland's ports remain closed to livestock from Great Britain following recent foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks which have already left the farming industry reeling.
BLUETONGUE IN CATTLE DroolingSwelling of the head and neckConjunctivitisSwelling of the mouthSwollen teatsTiredness Q&A: Bluetongue disease Reaction to bluetongue case Bluetongue is not contagious, but is transmitted by the biting Culicoides imicola midge. BLUETONGUE IN CATTLE DroolingSwelling of the head and neckConjunctivitisSwelling of the mouthSwollen teatsTiredness Q&A: Bluetongue disease Reaction to bluetongue case Bluetongue is not contagious, but is transmitted by the biting Culicoides imicola midge.
It is passed from animal to midge, and from midge to animal, but is not transmitted from animal to animal.It is passed from animal to midge, and from midge to animal, but is not transmitted from animal to animal.
The virus has long blighted Africa, but in recent years has begun to spread northwards into Europe.The virus has long blighted Africa, but in recent years has begun to spread northwards into Europe.
Some scientists believe that climate change could be behind its spread, as warmer temperatures have seen the biting insects gradually move north.Some scientists believe that climate change could be behind its spread, as warmer temperatures have seen the biting insects gradually move north.
Once infected, up to 70% of a flock of sheep can die from the virus.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%.While infected animals can recover - and become immune - productivity is reduced with milk yields in dairy herds dropping by about 40%.