Bluetongue found in imported cattle

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The animals, kept at premises near the city of Worcester, originated from Germany.

The disease was detected during post-import testing carried out by Defra on bluetongue-susceptible animals arriving from abroad.

One cow on a farm near Dorchester, Dorset, which originated from France, has also been found with the disease, Defra said.

The National Farmers' Union (NFU) said there was no evidence that bluetongue was circulating in the region and warned farmers to take extra care when importing animals.

The NFU advised farmers to support their JAB campaign, which aims to get all cattle and sheep vaccinated against the bluetongue, which is caused by a virus spread by certain types of biting midges.

Worcestershire NFU chairman Bill Beckett said: "I would ask all members to support JAB (Joint Campaign against Bluetongue) and if they are bringing animals from abroad to ensure sheep and cattle have been correctly vaccinated and are not carrying the bluetongue virus."

Dairy farmer Michael Oakes, NFU council representative, said: "I think this latest case shows the need for farmers to be vigilant, to vaccinate and to think carefully when importing.

"When bringing cattle over, it is so important to be careful as the disease is rampant in some areas of the EU."