Four additional cases of bluetongue found at farms in Kent

Defra confirmed a total of five cows have been culled since November 11 after contracting bluetongue

Chris Brayford
clock • 1 min read
Defra has confirmed an additional four cases of bluetongue has been detected at two new farms in Kent (generic)
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Defra has confirmed an additional four cases of bluetongue has been detected at two new farms in Kent (generic)

Farmers have been urged to remain extra vigilant after four additional cattle were diagnosed with bluetongue virus in Kent.

The first incident of bluetongue - an insect-borne viral disease - had been detected in one cow at a farm in Canterbury, Kent, on November 11.

Advice for farmers about the temporary Bluetongue control zone

Defra and APHA confirmed the cow had been culled with a 10km temporary control zone in operation around the affected farm to ‘restrict the movement of susceptible animals'.

However, Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said four more cases had been identified at two additional new farms in Canterbury, Kent, on Saturday (November 25) - within 5km of the first finding.

Ms Middlemiss said the cattle would be culled to ‘reduce the risk of onward transmission'.

Farmers urged to be vigilant for new strain of bluetongue virus

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