Norfolk bluetongue case found in sheep near Haddiscoe

The potentially-fatal animal disease was found in dozens of cattle and sheep in Norfolk and Suffolk last winter, but movement restrictions were eased in February as the risk from infected biting midges dropped during the colder weather.

But now the virus has returned to the region, after a suspected case of bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) was confirmed on a mixed farm near Haddiscoe, in the Broads.

A 20km temporary control zone has been established after a case of bluetongue virus was confirmed in a sheep on a farm near Haddiscoe (Image: Defra)

This is the first case of the midge-borne disease in the 2024/25 vector season.

Defra says a 20 km temporary control zone (TCZ) has been declared around the premises and the infected animal will be humanely culled to minimise the risk of onward transmission.

Movement restrictions will apply to "cattle, sheep and other ruminants and their germinal products".

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) will undertake surveillance in the area to establish whether there is circulating virus - although this will not involve testing all animals in the zone.

Livestock farmers have been warned to keep a close watch for any suspected clinical signs of bluetongue disease in their animals.

The virus has been circulating rapidly in Europe, and the midges which carry the disease are generally more active during the warmer months.

Defra warned farmers "should therefore continue to monitor their animals frequently for clinical signs and are reminded of the vital importance of responsible sourcing of animals with a reliable health status". 

Free testing is also available for animals moving from the highest-risk coastal counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent and East Sussex, to help guard against transporting undetected disease to new areas, including animals sold at a market within a high-risk county and moved elsewhere.

Defra says priority will be given to testing within the temporary control zone.

National Farmers' Union (NFU) president Tom Bradshaw said: "This is a worrying development.

"We urge all livestock keepers to remain vigilant for any signs of clinical disease and to report any concerns quickly to their vet or APHA.

"The NFU is working with Defra and APHA to understand the rules and situation around movement restrictions, licensing requirements and surveillance."

Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, but it is a notifiable disease and livestock keepers must report suspected cases to the APHA on 03000 200 301.