Cows test positive for bluetongue

Bluetongue is spread to livestock by biting midges

Two cattle at a farm in West Sussex have tested positive for bluetongue disease, it has been revealed.

West Sussex County Council said the outbreak at the Haywards Heath farm was confirmed by Defra on Tuesday, after tests were carried out last week.

Spokesman David Edwards said the town was already in a control zone, which requires farmers to test livestock before moving outside the boundaries.

He said the zone has now been extended to the Horsham and Crawley areas.

The principal trading standards officer said: "Farmers within the extended zone must obey the testing rules if they wish to move cattle, sheep or goats.

"They are required by law to examine their stock regularly and report any suspicious symptoms, plus keep the stock movement records which enables quick traceability."

He said there was no outright ban on movements of cattle, sheep or goats and there were no health implications for humans.

Councillor Peter Evans said trading standards officers were "committed to working closely with the farming community in West Sussex to ensure control measures are adhered to in the countryside".