Farmers on high alert after bluetongue confirmed in Kent

Livestock farmers across the UK are being urged to stay vigilant after bluetongue virus (BTV) was detected in a dairy cow in Kent – the first confirmed case of the virus in Great Britain for 16 years.

The single case of the BTV 3 strain was confirmed at a dairy farming business near Canterbury, Kent on Saturday 11 November.

A 10km temporary control zone has been put in place around the affected farm, and the movement of susceptible animals is being restricted except under licence. Additional surveillance is also being undertaken to ensure this is an isolated case.