'Restricted zone' placed in Surrey because of bluetongue virus
The virus affects animals like cattle and sheep.
A disease which effects sheep and cattle is spreading across the South East.
Defra says more cases of blue tongue have now been found in the region - and it's now extending restrictions to include all of Surrey as well as Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, all Greater London, and West Sussex.
There are now 95 cases in the country of the virus.
Bluetongue virus is primarily transmitted by midge bites and affects cattle, goats, sheep, goats, deer and camelids, such as llamas and alpacas.
The disease is damaging and can reduce milk yield, cause sickness, and reduce reproductive performance. In the most severe cases, it can cause death.
All keepers of susceptible animals in the restricted zones will need to follow strict rules on animal and germ cell product movements.
These restrictions mean that susceptible animals cannot be moved out of the zone without a specific licence. A general licence to move animals to designated abattoirs is also available. Movements within a zone are also permitted.
Deputy UK Chief Veterinary Officer Ele Brown said:
“As the number of bluetongue cases continues to rise in England and northern Europe, we are taking further action to extend the restriction zone to mitigate the spread of the disease.
“Whilst we appreciate restrictions have an impact, it’s vital all farmers and keepers within bluetongue control zones adhere to the restrictions and only move animals when it’s absolutely essential to prevent the disease spreading to their herds.
“We are committed to working with everyone affected and urge people to report livestock they suspect have the disease. We will continue to keep control zones under review.”