Eighth case of bluetongue detected at Kent farm

An eighth case of bluetongue virus has been detected at a farm in Kent.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) confirmed an eighth cow had caught the disease at a fourth farm in Kent yesterday (December 6).

Two new cases of bluetongue detected in Kent

Defra said the animal has been placed on a new premises located within the 10km temporary control zone which had been initiated after the first case of bluetongue was detected at a farm in Canterbury on November 11.

APHA said the temporary control zone has been extended to North-East Kent to ‘minimise spread of disease'.

Four additional cases of bluetongue found at farms in Kent

A spokesperson from Defra said there is currently ‘no evidence of bluetongue circulating' but confirmed surveillance would remain ongoing.

Ruminant Health and Welfare said farmers should beware when buying animals, to monitor livestock and to take appropriate action to report signs of bluetongue. 

You can report any suspicions regarding BTV in animals to APHA.