Bluetongue cases close to reaching another landmark figure

Bluetongue cases in England have almost reached another landmark figure as farmers continue to be affected by the 'stress and worry' of the virus.

APHA said 55 farms in Norfolk, Suffolk and Kent had reported 99 cases of bluetongue - a virus spread by biting midges.

The first case of the virus had been found in Canterbury on November 11 last year.

Around 17 cases of the virus have been detected in February alone despite APHA lifting of some restrictions in areas affected by bluetongue.

Explosion of bluetongue cases expected with warmer weather

The agency said it had eased some licence restrictions on movements due to the UK entering a 'seasonally vector low period' where midge activity is much lower.

However, APHA confirmed restrictions will be revised next month when vector activity increases again with warmer temperatures.

Tom McVeigh, 27, a mixed arable farmer from Stowmarket in Suffolk, had told the Farmers Guardian he was concerned about the virus spreading and the consequences it could have on his livestock.

"Bluetongue is a big concern for farmers at the moment," he added.

Suffolk third county to identify bluetongue

"The main issue is if a case is found, and the cattle have to be culled, that could be deeply upsetting for farmers.

"Our farm has been working for years to perfect our cattle herd with the right genetics.

"All that could go out the window if bluetongue hit our farm.

"We have to be vigilant and careful to the signs of the disease."

Chloe Wilcock, a livestock farmer from Canterbury in Kent, said her farm had tested for the virus back in December which had been one of most 'scariest' moments she had experienced.

"Being in an area where bluetongue had first been detected last year was a worry within itself" she added.

"We had inspectors from APHA come to the farm and the whole situation was completely frightening for both me and the livestock.

"Our bull could tell something was wrong and the stress of it all was far too much.

Eighth farm confirms bluetongue detection in Kent

"It was like a waiting game after because you did not know there and then what the outcome would be.

"I remember being told I would receive a phone call if it was bad news and if not, I had the all clear. 

"I never got the phone call but every time the phone went, I expected there to be bad news.

"The main concern is how bluetongue can destroy a farm business within a moment.

"It is very scary."

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