Fourth case of bluetongue confirmed

A cow on a farm near Ipswich, Suffolk, will be culled after testing positive for the disease, which is spread by insects.

A Defra spokesman said there was not yet enough evidence to confirm an active outbreak of bluetongue and tests are going on to see if the disease is circulating in the UK.

The latest case comes after vets confirmed bluetongue on Tuesday in a Holstein cow on a farm in Lound - 50 miles from Baylham, where it was first detected in two animals.

A new temporary control zone has also been established round a premises near Maidenhead, Berkshire, on suspicion of foot-and-mouth.

The latest control zone, which is inside the existing surveillance zone, was described by Defra as "a precautionary measure" following possible clinical signs of the disease.

If foot-and-mouth is confirmed on the latest premises, it will be the first time the disease has spread outside Surrey since the outbreak began in August.

Seven farms in Surrey have been infected with the virus, and number of cases outside the county have been investigated, although all have so far proved to be false alarms.

Two temporary control zones set up around farms in West Sussex and Hampshire were lifted on Tuesday after animals tested negative for foot-and-mouth.

Animal health officials have urged farmers to remain vigilant for any signs of both disease, and examine their livestock twice a day.