Farm virus spreads to sheep

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Bluetongue disease had been found in two flocks in Suffolk, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) said.

The disease - which has spread across the continent during the past year - emerged in the UK last month when a cow on a farm near Ipswich, Suffolk, was infected.

Since then, the virus has migrated into Essex, and more than 30 cattle herds have been affected.

A Defra spokeswoman said vets have confirmed that the virus had been found in sheep flocks - although officials have not named the farms involved.

Bluetongue has attacked cattle and sheep on the continent, and experts are not surprised at the spread of the virus in the UK.

A National Farmers' Union spokesman said: "This isn't good news but it's not a surprise. Bluetongue is a disease which affects cattle and sheep so it's not unexpected that it's now been found in sheep."

The virus is spread by infected midges and is not passed on from animal to animal.

Experts believe it was carried into England by midges blown across the sea from the European coast.

Animals display a variety of symptoms and are normally culled.