The virus affects livestock including cattle and sheep, as well as goats, deer and llamas. Symptoms can include a blue and swollen tongue, fever, reduced milk yield, and, in the most severe cases, death.
A virus that affects sheep and cows has been detected in the UK after a 'rapid increase' across Europe. Bluetongue - which is not dangerous to humans but can cause death in farm animals - has been found in a single sheep near Haddiscoe in South Norfolk. It is believed to be the first case of the virus in the UK for the 2024/2025 season. A 20km control zone has now been declared around the Norfolk premises in a bid to try and minimise the risk of further transmission.
Officials said there has been a rapid increase in cases in the Netherlands and Germany, and new cases in France, Luxembourg and Denmark. UK deputy chief veterinary officer Ele Brown said on Monday that farmers should check their animals frequently and report any suspicions to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
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