2008 fears as bluetongue restrictions reach Wales

BRITISH and Irish farmers are bracing themselves for the impact of bluetongue disease in livestock next year.

Since the disease first appeared in Britain in August, in East Anglia, zones where livestock movement is restricted have spread across England and into Wales.

The British government said in October the outbreak had been contained, after 25 farms were infected. But it was back in the news last week when the bluetongue virus was detected in an imported cow near Middlesbrough, which is outside the existing protection and surveillance zones.