Bluetongue tests prove negative

Bluetongue can be fatal to cattle and especially sheep

Tests for the bluetongue virus at two farms in previously unaffected areas have proved negative, Defra has said.

Government vets had been investigating suspected outbreaks in north Shropshire and Greater Manchester.

Positive tests would have meant new restrictions for livestock farmers across most of Wales, north-west England and around the Bristol Channel.

Bluetongue is a non-contagious virus spread by a midge species, affecting ruminants including sheep and cattle.

Severe in sheep

The first case of bluetongue in the UK was detected last September at a farm near Ipswich, and spread to other parts of south-east England where protection and surveillance zones remain in place.

Scotland's first and only case to date was discovered at a farm near Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway, on 28 December.

All ruminants, such as cattle, goats, deer and sheep, are susceptible, although symptoms are generally most severe in sheep.

Signs of the disease in species vary, but key indicators include a high fever, excessive salivation, swelling of the head and neck, lameness and sometimes discolouration of the tongue.