Eleven cases of the bluetongue virus (BTV), a potentially deadly disease for livestock, have been confirmed in the South West of England. This comes as 72 cases of the insect-borne viral disease have been reported across the UK since 1 July.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has urged farmers to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases. Hot weather conditions are believed to have contributed to the spread of the virus, as high temperatures allow it to develop more quickly in midges.
BTV affects animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, deer, and camelids, causing symptoms including fever, lameness, facial swelling, and mouth ulcers. Three animal deaths in the South West have been reported in July so far. However, the virus does not affect humans, and meat and milk from infected animals are safe to consume.
Rachel Gilmour, MP for Tiverton and Minehead, has written to Defra to raise concerns from farmers in her constituency regarding the outbreak. She has asked the minister for biosecurity, borders and animals, Baroness Hayman of Ullock, to outline measures to improve reporting, support affected farmers, and limit the disease's spread.
The APHA encourages all farmers and keepers to discuss vaccination with their vet as a protective measure for their animals.