bluetongue

A professor of virology at University of Nottingham said the weather conditions will be important over the next three months. Prof Peter Mertens said: "If you get low temperatures in winter, onward transmission is going to be curtailed"

APHA confirmed 23 cases of the virus have been detected since November 11

Livestock farmers say it must be the Government's priority to support APHA with more resources so they can take decisive action when needed

Defra said there was 'no evidence' bluetongue was circulating in the UK

UK's Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Christine Middlemiss said there was not any evidence to demonstrate it was a ‘circulating virus', with all the infections being incursion of infected midges

APHA said four cases of bluetongue had been identified since November 11

Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said seven cattle have tested positive for the disease since November 11

Dr Richard Irvine, who started the role in March 2023, said an expected assessment of the bTB target next year will serve as a ‘formal checkpoint' and an opportunity to ‘take stock' on the issue

Defra and the Animal Plant Health Agency have provided information to help spot, prevent and control bluetongue