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| Two more bluetongue cases found | Two more bluetongue cases found |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| Two new outbreaks of bluetongue disease have been confirmed, Environment Secretary Hilary Benn has said. | Two new outbreaks of bluetongue disease have been confirmed, Environment Secretary Hilary Benn has said. |
| The cases, in Peterborough and at Ashford in Kent, follow previous outbreaks in East Anglia and Essex. | The cases, in Peterborough and at Ashford in Kent, follow previous outbreaks in East Anglia and Essex. |
| Mr Benn said two new control zones would be brought in, and the protection zone already in place from Lincolnshire to East Sussex would be extended. | Mr Benn said two new control zones would be brought in, and the protection zone already in place from Lincolnshire to East Sussex would be extended. |
| Bluetongue is a non-contagious virus spread by a midge species, affecting ruminants including sheep and cattle. | Bluetongue is a non-contagious virus spread by a midge species, affecting ruminants including sheep and cattle. |
| It can also affect goats and deer. | It can also affect goats and deer. |
| 'Unwelcome news' | |
| Mr Benn told the Commons the new cases were confirmed as a result of reporting by two farmers and were confirmed by tests. | |
| Given the nature of this disease and its means of spread, this is not entirely unexpected Fred Landeg deputy chief veterinary officer | |
| Defra said the latest cases were both within the current protection zone. | |
| Stricter 20km (12-mile) control zones had already been set up in East Anglia and Essex around known bluetongue cases | |
| Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Fred Landeg said: "This is obviously unwelcome news for the farming industry. However, given the nature of this disease and its means of spread, this is not entirely unexpected. | |
| "We will carry out further investigations on these farms, and in the surrounding area to assess the disease situation and possible sources of incursion. | |
| "Once again, we are grateful for the vigilance of farmers in reporting disease, and urge them to remain vigilant. | |
| "We will continue to work with our core industry group to assess the disease situation and develop the disease control strategy in partnership with the farming industry." | |
| The first bluetongue case was detected on 22 September. |