Cold blast could spell the end for deadly bluetongue

A SPELL of sharp cold weather could help prevent the spread of deadly bluetongue virus from Britain to Ireland, experts suggested yesterday.

Bluetongue is a disease of animals. It does not affect humans. This is a disease of ruminants, including sheep, cattle, deer, camelids and goats. It is transmitted by the movement of midges, which are most active in warm and humid conditions, or by movements of infected animals if they are subsequently bitten by midges.

Britain’s first case of the disease was confirmed in a cow at Ipswich at the weekend, adding a further worry to vets and farmers trying to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease in Surrey.