The government has expanded its 'restricted zone' aimed at controlling the spread of bluetongue virus to include seven additional counties in England, following a rise in cases.

Defra reported that new cases of bluetongue 'BTV-3' have been detected near the borders of the existing restricted zones in East Yorkshire, Kent, and East Sussex.

As a result, the restricted zone now encompasses the entirety of Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Greater London, Surrey, and West Sussex.

As of Sunday, September 22, 95 farms have reported outbreaks since the first case emerged in late August.

Farmers and livestock owners within the restricted zone must adhere to movement restrictions for animals and germinal products. Movement of susceptible animals out of the zone is prohibited without a specific licence, though a general licence is available for transporting animals to designated abattoirs.

Movements within the restricted zone are still allowed.

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UK chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss stated: “As the number of bluetongue cases continues to rise in England and northern Europe, we are taking prompt action to mitigate the spread of the disease.

“I urge farmers within bluetongue control zones to adhere to restrictions and remain vigilant to prevent the disease spreading to their herds.

“We appreciate the impact restrictions can have on farmers and are committed to working with everyone affected. We will continue to keep control zones under review as our understanding of the disease picture develops.”

Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) chief executive Jenny Stewart echoed this call for vigilance, stating: “Since the first BTV-3 case for this season was detected last month, case numbers have continued to rise.

"I want to remind keepers of the importance of monitoring their livestock and taking up free testing where necessary.

“Scientists, vets and field teams from APHA are working hard to help tackle bluetongue virus and ensure farmers are kept up to date and supported.”

The spread of the disease follows its initial detection in a sheep in Norfolk in late August, marking the first UK bluetongue case this summer. Prior to this, the disease had not been identified in the UK since November 2023, when government vets confirmed its presence for the first time since 2007.

In response to the worsening situation, the government has authorised the use of three bluetongue vaccines to curb the outbreak. These suppressive vaccines aim to reduce clinical symptoms but do not fully prevent infection.

While bluetongue poses no risk to humans or food safety, outbreaks can lead to prolonged restrictions on animal movements and trade.