Defra has confirmed that the total number of bluetongue cases in Great Britain has risen to 185 as of December 15.
Two new cases were reported recently: two bovines were confirmed positive in Hampshire's restricted zone, following surveillance testing, and six additional bovines tested positive in the same area.
Defra also announced that following the identification of cases in cattle near the boundary of the restricted zone in Hampshire, Berkshire, and East Yorkshire, the restricted zone has been expanded to include additional areas in Hampshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, North Yorkshire, as well as Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and Dorset.
This follows the confirmation of six additional cases last week, bringing the total to 183 bluetongue cases in England and two in Wales. The restricted zone now covers a significant area in eastern England.
Bluetongue, a virus transmitted by certain species of biting midges, is a 'notifiable' disease in GB, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Ireland, meaning farmers must report any suspected cases to the relevant authority.
Defra states that bluetongue affects sheep, cattle and other ruminants, such as deer and goats and also llamas and alpacas. Sheep are more likely to show clinical symptoms than cattle if infected.
Key signs in sheep include:
- Ulcers or sores in the mouth and nose
- Discharge from the eyes or nose and drooling from the mouth
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, head, neck and coronary band (where the skin meets the foot's horn)
In cattle, the main symptoms include:
- Lethargy
- Crusty erosions around the nostrils and muzzle
- Redness of the mouth, eyes and nose
- Reddening and erosions on the teats
- A decline in milk production
