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Bluetongue cases almost doubled | Bluetongue cases almost doubled |
(about 17 hours later) | |
The number of confirmed cases of bluetongue in East Anglia have almost doubled since the weekend. | The number of confirmed cases of bluetongue in East Anglia have almost doubled since the weekend. |
The total has now risen to 19 confirmed cases, from just 11 on Saturday. | |
This includes 11 cases of the midge-borne virus on farms in Suffolk to date, according to the National Farmers' Union (NFU). | This includes 11 cases of the midge-borne virus on farms in Suffolk to date, according to the National Farmers' Union (NFU). |
Ten of those cases are of the same strain found on farms close to Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm, near Ipswich, the source of the first infection. | Ten of those cases are of the same strain found on farms close to Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm, near Ipswich, the source of the first infection. |
Richard Storer, who runs Baylham House has had to put down two of his rare-breed cattle. | Richard Storer, who runs Baylham House has had to put down two of his rare-breed cattle. |
We are working for a long-term approach because bluetongue is here for a long time Brian Finnerty, National Farmers' Union | We are working for a long-term approach because bluetongue is here for a long time Brian Finnerty, National Farmers' Union |
"Of the animals tested by government vets last Saturday only one billy goat has proved positive," he said. | "Of the animals tested by government vets last Saturday only one billy goat has proved positive," he said. |
"Physically he has nothing wrong with him so we will keep an eye on him and if there are any signs of illness we will have to put him down." | "Physically he has nothing wrong with him so we will keep an eye on him and if there are any signs of illness we will have to put him down." |
Mr Storer's farm is due to reopen to the public on Saturday. | Mr Storer's farm is due to reopen to the public on Saturday. |
"This is a disease we are going to have to live with for some time so the sooner we get a vaccine the better," he added. | "This is a disease we are going to have to live with for some time so the sooner we get a vaccine the better," he added. |
Two of Mr Storer's rare-breed cattle had to be put down | Two of Mr Storer's rare-breed cattle had to be put down |
Brian Finnerty, NFU regional spokesman for the East of England, said: "We are still urging farmers to be vigilant and to keep a close eye on livestock and to let the authorities know straight away if they suspect infection. | Brian Finnerty, NFU regional spokesman for the East of England, said: "We are still urging farmers to be vigilant and to keep a close eye on livestock and to let the authorities know straight away if they suspect infection. |
"We are working for a long-term approach because bluetongue is here for a long time." | "We are working for a long-term approach because bluetongue is here for a long time." |
Bluetongue control-and-protect zones were put in place on Sunday following confirmation of the 11 infection cases. | Bluetongue control-and-protect zones were put in place on Sunday following confirmation of the 11 infection cases. |
The new zone comprises parts of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire. | The new zone comprises parts of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire. |
Flu-like symptoms | Flu-like symptoms |
The zone also includes London and parts of Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Kent, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Berkshire, Surrey and Sussex. | The zone also includes London and parts of Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Kent, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Berkshire, Surrey and Sussex. |
There have been "unconfirmed cases" in Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire. | There have been "unconfirmed cases" in Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire. |
Animals with the disease experience discomfort, with flu-like symptoms, and swelling and haemorrhaging in and around the mouth and nose. | 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. | They can also go lame and have difficulty eating. |