New case of bluetongue in Kent brings total number to eight

The government has confirmed an eighth case of bluetongue within Kent's expanded temporary control zone (TCZ).

Following active surveillance in the TCZ, an eighth case of bluetongue serotype 3 was confirmed in a single cow on Wednesday (6 December).

The initial outbreak of bluetongue began on 11 November near Canterbury in a single cow, making it the UK's first case of the virus since 2007.

Defra has since widened the original 10km temporary control zone (TCZ) following confirmation of numerous other cases.

Publishing an update on the situation, the department said that 'surveillance is ongoing'.