Bluetongue discovered on three farms in East Anglia

Control zones have been extended as the fourth case of the pathogenic viral disease bluetongue has been confirmed in Norfolk. Defra has found three infected sheep on farms near Norwich and Lowestoft, adding to the initial case near Haddiscoe. 

Bluetongue is an acute viral disease transmitted by midges. It has high mortality rates and affects domestic and wild ruminants including sheep and deer. Symptoms include excessive salivation and swelling of the face and tongue. 

James Sutcliffe, BASC’s deer adviser, said: “We have been in close contact with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) from the initial outbreak of bluetongue in the UK and have sought clarity on how it could affect shooting, and in particular deer management, in the affected areas. 

“The current restrictions do not affect the culling of deer and deer managers can still access the control zones. There is no restriction on the movement of carcasses into or out of the control zones, and provided it has been inspected and deemed healthy, the venison can still enter the food chain. 

“The bluetongue outbreak is ongoing and the situation can change rapidly.”