UK: Bluetongue zone extended after new case

A new bluetongue protection zone has been set up after a new case of the disease was discovered in London, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said.

The new 20km zone around the latest case covers parts of west and north London, Defra said.

All of the animals are thought to have been infected before the “vector-free period”, which was declared in December after it was judged there was a low risk of the disease spreading because of the cold weather.

There are now 75 confirmed cases of the virus, which is spread by midges and can be fatal to animals such as sheep and cows.

The cases were identified by routine testing required before animals can be moved out of the protection and surveillance zones. The surveillance zone remains in place covering much of England.

Defra said further cases could be identified in the coming weeks.

Bluetongue was first confirmed in the UK on September 28 in England.