British farmers are anxiously awaiting the results of tests, which will show whether two different livestock diseases have spread.

Officials are investigating a suspected new case of foot-and-mouth on the Hampshire-West Sussex border. A 3km Temporary Control Zone was yesterday put around the premises near Petersfield, Hampshire. This is a precautionary measure following a veterinary assessment of clinical signs. Laboratory tests are ongoing.

The insect-borne bluetongue virus was also found in a Highland cow at the Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm, near Ipswich over the weekend. The strain has been identified as Serotype 8 and is commonly found in Belgium, France Germany, Luxembourg and Netherlands. Bluetongue is a very different infection to Foot and Mouth Disease and the strategy to control it is therefore also different. This is not a confirmed outbreak unless further investigation demonstrates that disease is circulating.

Bluetongue is a disease of animals. It does not affect humans. This is a disease of ruminants, including sheep, cattle, deer, camelids and goats. It is transmitted by the movement of midges or by movements of infected animals if they are subsequently bitten by midges.

The infected cow's carcass has been removed from the farm and further tests are now being carried out on other livestock on the premises to see if the disease has affected them.

DEFRA have said “This is not a confirmed outbreak unless further investigation demonstrates that disease is circulating, and this could take days or weeks to assess. The premises where Bluetongue was detected remains under restrictions, and epidemiological investigations are being carried out to assess the situation.”

A 20km (12 mile) control zone will be placed around the farm if bluetongue appears to have infected other animals and insects.

Despite this new outbreak the countryside remains open. Climbers and walkers should continue their activities as normal but continue to respect the countryside code: 

• Be safe – plan ahead and follow any signs 
• Leave gates and property as you find them
• Protect plants and animals, and take your litter home 
• Keep dogs under close control
• Consider other people
  

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