Bluetongue disease in the UK
Updated on 23 September 2007
Britain has its first victim of Bluetongue disease as another suspected case of foot and mouth is reported.
For an industry already badly bruised from foot and mouth - the news is potentially devastating. The government today confirmed that an outbreak of Bluetongue disease in Suffolk is the same strain as the insect borne virus which has killed livestock across northern Europe.
The disease was found in a Highland cow at a rare breeds farm near Ipswich. Tests are now underway at Baylham House Farm to see if other animals have also been infected. Jane Dodge reports.
And in the last hour it's emerged a three kilometre control zone has been placed around a farm near Petersfield in Hampshire following another suspected case of foot and mouth disease.
Officials at Defra are stressing that the move is precautionary, and further tests are being carried out.
