Defra, UK has confirmed that a third animal has tested positive for Bluetongue. This is on a premises near Lowestoft.
Since 22_September, Laboratory tests have detected the presence of Bluetongue disease in two cattle on a premises near Ipswich, Suffolk.
The premises where Bluetongue has been found is under restrictions, both infected cattle have been culled and epidemiological investigations are being carried out to assess the situation.
At this stage, there is not sufficient evidence to confirm an active outbreak of Bluetongue by the internationally-recognised definition. It cannot yet be demonstrated that the disease is circulating or alternatively is the result of a single incursion of infected midges from abroad.
Epidemiological investigations are underway to establish whether bluetongue disease is circulating in the UK.
Active discussions with key stakeholders are continuing to determine what the appropriate measures would be, should an outbreak of Bluetongue be confirmed. Any action will be in line with the UK Bluetongue Control Strategy, published in August.
Bluetongue disease (also called catarrhal fever) is a non-contagious, insect-borne viral disease of ruminants, mainly sheep and less frequently of cattle, goats, buffalo, deer, dromedaries and antelope. There are no reports of human transmission. It is caused by the Bluetongue virus.