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Call for wider bluetongue zone Call for extended bluetongue zone
(20 minutes later)
Farmers inside a protection zone set up because of bluetongue say it must be expanded to the whole of the UK so they can move their animals more freely. Farmers inside a protection zone set up because of bluetongue disease say it must be expanded to the entire UK so they can move animals more freely.
Animals cannot be moved outside the zone from East Sussex to Lincolnshire.Animals cannot be moved outside the zone from East Sussex to Lincolnshire.
Extending the zone would make it easier for animals to be moved but would mean live animals would not be allowed to be exported for two years.Extending the zone would make it easier for animals to be moved but would mean live animals would not be allowed to be exported for two years.
National Farmers' Union (NFU) leaders have rejected the calls saying tackling the disease must be the top priority.National Farmers' Union (NFU) leaders have rejected the calls saying tackling the disease must be the top priority.
On Thursday, farmers from inside the 150km (93-mile) protection zone will lobby Environment Secretary Hilary Benn to expand it to include the whole country - as has happened in Belgium - so they can move their animals more freely.On Thursday, farmers from inside the 150km (93-mile) protection zone will lobby Environment Secretary Hilary Benn to expand it to include the whole country - as has happened in Belgium - so they can move their animals more freely.
The current zone is causing serious problems for farmers who, in some cases, are unable to send their animals to slaughter.The current zone is causing serious problems for farmers who, in some cases, are unable to send their animals to slaughter.
But national NFU officials say that, while they sympathise, getting to grips with the disease is their number one concern.But national NFU officials say that, while they sympathise, getting to grips with the disease is their number one concern.
The protection zone was set up after government vets confirmed bluetongue disease was circulating in the UK and was classed as an outbreak.The protection zone was set up after government vets confirmed bluetongue disease was circulating in the UK and was classed as an outbreak.
Livestock owners within the protection zone are allowed to move animals only within its boundaries.Livestock owners within the protection zone are allowed to move animals only within its boundaries.
A stricter 20km (12-mile) control zone was set up in East Anglia around the known bluetongue cases.A stricter 20km (12-mile) control zone was set up in East Anglia around the known bluetongue cases.
Restrictions prevent animals being moved out of both zones.Restrictions prevent animals being moved out of both zones.
On Wednesday, the number of confirmed cases of bluetongue disease rose to 24, the government said.On Wednesday, the number of confirmed cases of bluetongue disease rose to 24, the government said.
The majority are in Suffolk, with a cluster around Ipswich and another case near to Lowestoft.The majority are in Suffolk, with a cluster around Ipswich and another case near to Lowestoft.
The disease is transmitted by biting midges and the symptoms, which are most severe in sheep, include swelling and haemorrhaging in and around the mouth and nose.The disease is transmitted by biting midges and the symptoms, which are most severe in sheep, include swelling and haemorrhaging in and around the mouth and nose.
BLUETONGUE IN CATTLE DroolingSwelling of the head and neckConjunctivitisSwelling of the mouthSwollen teatsTiredness Q&A: Bluetongue disease Markets back as ban lifted BLUETONGUE IN CATTLE DroolingSwelling of the head and neckConjunctivitisSwelling of the mouthSwollen teatsTiredness Q&A: Bluetongue disease Markets back as ban lifted
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.
Meanwhile, farmers will be able to take animals to market in areas at low risk of foot-and-mouth disease from Thursday after government vets eased movement restrictions.Meanwhile, farmers will be able to take animals to market in areas at low risk of foot-and-mouth disease from Thursday after government vets eased movement restrictions.
The foot-and-mouth low risk area includes all of England, Scotland and Wales, apart from south-east England and the Home Counties.The foot-and-mouth low risk area includes all of England, Scotland and Wales, apart from south-east England and the Home Counties.
Animals in bluetongue zones are subject to movement restrictions.Animals in bluetongue zones are subject to movement restrictions.
EU experts have agreed that exports for some parts of the UK can resume next week if there are no more outbreaks of diseases.EU experts have agreed that exports for some parts of the UK can resume next week if there are no more outbreaks of diseases.