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New cases of bluetongue expected Bluetongue declared an outbreak
(about 1 hour later)
More cases of bluetongue disease are to be confirmed later, the BBC has learned. The five cases of bluetongue virus found in animals in the UK have been declared as an official outbreak by government officials.
Radio 4's World at One correspondent John Andrew says Defra is considering declaring an official outbreak, but the department has refused to comment. Deputy chief vet Fred Landeg said test results had shown the disease, which is transmitted by biting midges, was circulating among livestock.
So far there have been five confirmed cases of the disease. All the animals which tested positive have been culled.So far there have been five confirmed cases of the disease. All the animals which tested positive have been culled.
The latest case was found at a farm near Burstall in Suffolk, close to where bluetongue was first diagnosed. The latest case was found at a farm near Burstall in Suffolk.
Our correspondent said more cases could mean restrictions on livestock movements being widened and kept in place for much longer.
Map of Suffolk bluetongue casesMap of Suffolk bluetongue cases
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced the fifth case on Thursday.The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced the fifth case on Thursday.
Other cases were confirmed at Washbrook near Ipswich, a farm in Lound and in two animals on a rare breeds farm in Baylham, near Ipswich.Other cases were confirmed at Washbrook near Ipswich, a farm in Lound and in two animals on a rare breeds farm in Baylham, near Ipswich.
The strain, first detected on Saturday, is the same as one that has killed livestock in Europe but the UK cases are not yet classed as an outbreak.The strain, first detected on Saturday, is the same as one that has killed livestock in Europe but the UK cases are not yet classed as an outbreak.
Animal to midgeAnimal to midge
The virus is spread by midges, affects cattle, sheep, goats and deer.The virus is spread by midges, affects cattle, sheep, goats and deer.
Defra said it would only class the spread of the disease as an outbreak if it was found to be circulating between the local animal and midge populations.Defra said it would only class the spread of the disease as an outbreak if it was found to be circulating between the local animal and midge populations.
There have been nearly 3,000 cases of bluetongue in northern Europe - including the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Germany - since July, which had fuelled fears of its arrival in the UK.There have been nearly 3,000 cases of bluetongue in northern Europe - including the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Germany - since July, which had fuelled fears of its arrival in the UK.
Animals with the disease experience discomfort, with flu-like symptoms, and swelling and haemorrhaging in and around the mouth and nose. They can also go lame and have difficulty eating.Animals with the disease experience discomfort, with flu-like symptoms, and swelling and haemorrhaging in and around the mouth and nose. They can also go lame and have difficulty eating.
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