Bluetongue 'outbreak' confirmed in UK

Bluetongue virus is now circulating in the UK, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs confirmed today.

Bluetongue virus is now circulating in the UK, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed today.

A fifth case of the disease was confirmed in a cow near Burstall in Suffolk yesterday, close to the rare breeds farm in Baylham, near Ipswich, where the disease was first confirmed on September 21.

Defra announced measures today to combat the virus.

Deputy chief veterinary officer Fred Landeg said: “We can now confirm that we do have bluetongue virus circulating in this country.

“Although this disease is not welcome to the farming community, it is important to emphasise this is a very different disease to foot and mouth.”