Tech · GA Daily Post
Cases of a deadly virus affecting sheep and cattle have been confirmed in Oxfordshire and Isle of Wight, according to government figures. Bluetongue has been found in more than 2,000 farm animals in the UK since July and nearly 1,200 potential cases are under investigation. The virus, which causes fever and lameness, does not affect humans and is spread by midges rather than direct contact between animals.
Fifty cases have already been confirmed in Dorset, with Oxfordshire and Isle of Wight joining the government list of affected areas in recent days. The strain of bluetongue - serotype 3 (BTV-3) - was first found in England in 2023. It is often fatal for sheep, and in cattle can be fatal, cause a drop in milk production, and lead to failed pregnancies and birth defects.
The latest government figures show a single case of bluetongue in Oxfordshire and another on the Isle of Wight but Carisbrooke Farm Vets in Newport told the BBC that "multiple farms" had been affected on the island. In a social media post, it said: "The transmission risk remains very high - please remain vigilant. "We will be running a meeting in October to update regarding the current situation and future plan of action."
Source: bbc.co.uk
