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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Third bluetongue case discovered | Third bluetongue case discovered |
| (20 minutes later) | |
| A third animal has tested positive for Bluetongue disease. | A third animal has tested positive for Bluetongue disease. |
| The midge-borne virus was discovered on a premises near Lowestoft, Suffolk, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has confirmed. | The midge-borne virus was discovered on a premises near Lowestoft, Suffolk, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has confirmed. |
| The first two cases were found in cows at the Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm, near Ipswich. | The first two cases were found in cows at the Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm, near Ipswich. |
| The strain of the disease is the same as one that has devastated cattle and sheep across northern Europe but is not yet regarded by the UK as an outbreak. | The strain of the disease is the same as one that has devastated cattle and sheep across northern Europe but is not yet regarded by the UK as an outbreak. |
| On Saturday, a cow tested positive for bluetongue on a farm at Baylham and a second cow at the same farm was also slaughtered after the virus was confirmed on Monday. | On Saturday, a cow tested positive for bluetongue on a farm at Baylham and a second cow at the same farm was also slaughtered after the virus was confirmed on Monday. |
| Bluetongue is common in Mediterranean countries and has steadily spread further north in Europe over the past year. | Bluetongue is common in Mediterranean countries and has steadily spread further north in Europe over the past year. |
| Experts say the disease is spread by midges and some specialists think insects may have been blown across the Channel by strong winds. | |
| 'Dynamic situation' | |
| The UK's chief veterinary officer, Debby Reynolds, said: "While foot-and-mouth disease and bluetongue are present in the country all animal keepers should proceed with caution." | |
| A Defra spokesman said: "At this stage there is not sufficient evidence to confirm an active outbreak of bluetongue by the internationally recognised definition. | |
| "It cannot yet be demonstrated that the disease is circulating or alternatively is the result of a single incursion of infected midges from abroad." |