Bluetongue cases almost doubled

Bluetongue is spread to livestock by biting midges

The number of confirmed cases of bluetongue in East Anglia have almost doubled since the weekend.

The total has now risen to 19 confirmed cases, from just 11 on Saturday.

This includes 11 cases of the midge-borne virus on farms in Suffolk to date, according to the National Farmers' Union (NFU).

Ten of those cases are of the same strain found on farms close to Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm, near Ipswich, the source of the first infection.

Richard Storer, who runs Baylham House has had to put down two of his rare-breed cattle.

We are working for a long-term approach because bluetongue is here for a long time Brian Finnerty, National Farmers' Union

"Of the animals tested by government vets last Saturday only one billy goat has proved positive," he said.

"Physically he has nothing wrong with him so we will keep an eye on him and if there are any signs of illness we will have to put him down."

Mr Storer's farm is due to reopen to the public on Saturday.

"This is a disease we are going to have to live with for some time so the sooner we get a vaccine the better," he added.

Two of Mr Storer's rare-breed cattle had to be put down

Brian Finnerty, NFU regional spokesman for the East of England, said: "We are still urging farmers to be vigilant and to keep a close eye on livestock and to let the authorities know straight away if they suspect infection.

"We are working for a long-term approach because bluetongue is here for a long time."

Bluetongue control-and-protect zones were put in place on Sunday following confirmation of the 11 infection cases.

The new zone comprises parts of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire.

Flu-like symptoms

The zone also includes London and parts of Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Kent, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Berkshire, Surrey and Sussex.

There have been "unconfirmed cases" in Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire.

Animals with the disease experience discomfort, with flu-like symptoms, and swelling and haemorrhaging in and around the mouth and nose.

They can also go lame and have difficulty eating.