Bluetongue disease has been confirmed in two more Norfolk cows ahead of an urgent meeting next week to discuss the rising case numbers in the county.

In the last two days, animal health officials have identified the potentially-deadly animal disease in two cattle near Limpenhoe - bringing Norfolk's total cases to 12 in the last month.

All are within the 10km temporary control zone (TCZ) established on December 8 around a farm near Cantley - which became East Anglia's first case since 2007.

Eastern Daily Press: A 10km Temporary Control Zone was set up around Norfolk's first bluetongue case on a farm near Cantley on December 8A 10km Temporary Control Zone was set up around Norfolk's first bluetongue case on a farm near Cantley on December 8 (Image: Defra)

Defra says the infected animals will be humanely culled to minimise the risk of onward transmission. 

Government officials say the midge-borne disease does not affect people or food safety and, despite the rising cases in Norfolk and Kent, there is "still no evidence that bluetongue virus is currently circulating in midges in Great Britain". 

But outbreaks can force prolonged animal movement and trade restrictions for livestock farmers.

So an urgent meeting is being organised by key industry organisations working together to provide support and information for concerned farmers and vets within the Norfolk TCZ.

The meeting at Dunston Hall, outside Norwich, from 7pm on Monday, January 15, will be chaired by the National Farmers' Union's East livestock board member Hugh Broom, and National Sheep Association chairman Dan Phipps.

Mr Phipps said: “By bringing together representatives and experts across key industry organisations, we hope to help build vital networks within the TCZ in Norfolk.

“Ensuring vital and, importantly, up-to-date BTV-3 information is accurately shared with farmers is dependent on all of the industry experts and stakeholders collaborating."

The meeting will offer advice on areas such as the new movement licences which permit animals in the TCZ to be moved where there is a welfare need, or to a designated abattoir for slaughter.

More information will be available at ahdb.org.uk/events/bluetongue-virus-farmer-event.

Bluetongue affects ruminants including sheep, cattle, deer and goats. Farmers can call the dedicated bluetongue advice hotline on 024 7771 0386 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Livestock keepers must report suspicions of the virus immediately to the APHA  (Animal and Plant Health Agency) on 03000 200 301. For more guidance on symptoms and prevention, see www.gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue.