Blue tongue disease restrictions extended to Northamptonshire
It follows an increase in cases in nearby parts of East Anglia
The bluetongue restriction zone has now been widened to incorporate North Northamptonshire, meaning farmers in the area must now follow restrictions on moving animals.
Bluetongue is a notifiable animal disease spread by midges which affects ruminants (animals including sheep, cattle, goats and deer), as well as camelids (llamas and alpacas), and cases of the viral disease (BTV3) have been confirmed across the East of England. It does not affect humans, horses or pigs.
North Northamptonshire Council officials say that if farmers suspect a case, they must report it to the Animal and Plant Health Agency immediately on 03000 200 301. Symptoms vary across susceptible species but include fever, lesions, redness include fever, lesions, redness of the mouth, eyes, nose, reddening of the skin above the hoof, excessive salivation and nasal discharge. Some animals may show few or no clinical signs.
Cllr David Brackenbury, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Growth and Regeneration, says:
"Restrictions like this are introduced to hopefully prevent further cases of Bluetongue and we must do all we can to try and stop this very infectious disease from spreading further across the country."