April 4, 2008

UK extends bluetongue protection zone after confirmation of new cases
 

Veterinary authorities in the UK have once again extended the bluetongue protection zone after a new outbreak of the disease has been confirmed in southern England.

Defra said susceptible animals such as cattle and sheep may not be transported out of the protection zone that covers a large part of southern England.

The government said the animals in the affected farm were probably infected last year.

There have been 125 cases of bluetongue across the UK, 59 of which were identified this year.