Bluetongue vaccine for more farms

Symptoms of bluetongue are generally worst in sheep

More farms in England will be able to vaccinate cattle and sheep against the animal disease bluetongue from Monday.

Vaccination is only permitted within the bluetongue protection zone which currently includes East Anglia and a large part of the south of England.

From next week, it will extend to Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Wiltshire and Somerset.

The virus, spread by midges, was first reported in Britain last year. Since then, 127 premises have been infected.

Bluetongue is non-contagious but can have a devastating effect on cattle herds and sheep.

Active midges

The government is rolling out its programme of vaccination by gradually expanding the high-risk protection zones westwards.

The first vaccinations took place on a farm in Norfolk at the start of this month.

At the time, vets and farmers' leaders welcomed the speed with which the vaccine had been created, as the process can sometimes take several years to complete.

They were also keen for the vaccine to be made available before the arrival of warmer weather when midges start to become active.

The government's chief vet considers it to be the only realistic prospect of controlling the disease.

Animals can only be moved out of the protection zone if they are vaccinated, naturally immune or being moved for slaughter.