Vaccines approved to tackle deadly bluetongue virus

More than 40 animals have been infected with the virus in the latest outbreak

Vaccines to help in the fight against a deadly virus affecting cattle and sheep have been given emergency approval by the government.

Bluetongue has so far been detected in more than 40 animals at 15 premises across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, where restrictions on the movement of animals have been imposed.

Three vaccines, which have not gone through the full authorisation process, have been given special permission for use under licence in the UK.

The National Farmers Union (NFU) said the emergency approval was "great news" but warned the vaccines only tackled symptoms of the virus rather than preventing infection.

It meant movement controls on livestock and trade restrictions currently in place would still apply to vaccinated animals.

The president of the NFU Tom Bradshaw warns livestock keepers should "remain vigilant"

NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: "The BTV3 vaccines make no claim to reduce infectivity, but they do appear to reduce mortality and the severity of clinical signs.

"So, while they won't stop animals from becoming infected, they could reduce the impact of the disease on individual animals and therefore provide an animal welfare benefit.

"We must now ensure that there is enough availability for livestock farmers in the high-risk area to use if they wish."

The NFU said a vaccine to prevent infection was the "ideal scenario" but warned the time to develop such a vaccine would be the "big challenge".

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), announced the approval of the vaccines on Wednesday.

Defra has asked livestock keepers within the restricted zone not to move animals "unless they really have to"

Bluetongue can cause infertility and breathing problems in some animals but does not affect people or food safety.

Defra said it could prove fatal for infected animals "in the most severe cases".

The virus is spread by the bites of midges that are often blown over from the continent during spells of warm weather.

The virus was first detected at a farm close to Haddiscoe, near Beccles in Suffolk on 26 August, and a 20km (12.4 mile) temporary control zone put in place.

Restrictions were extended to the whole of Norfolk and Suffolk after more animals tested positive, and on Monday they were extended further to include Essex.

Defra said farmers should continue to monitor their animals frequently and to report "suspicion of disease" immediately.

Last winter there were 126 bluetongue cases in England, on 73 premises in four counties.

It was the first outbreak in the UK since 2007.