Farmers warned after sheep dies of bluetongue

Defra said bluetongue is spread by biting midges so it would not cull the remaining animals on the Cornish premises

Farmers have been advised to remain vigilant for signs of the bluetongue virus in their animals after a sheep tested positive for the disease.

The Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed a ram at a property in Cornwall had tested positive for the disease on Friday.

Defra confirmed the ram had died but other animals on the premises would not be culled since bluetongue virus is mainly spread by biting midges.

The notifiable disease does not pose a threat to human health or food safety but it can affect farmers by making animals sick, reducing milk yields and affecting breeding, Defra added.

Defra has advised farmers to maintain biosecurity on their farms

A Defra spokesperson said: "We have confirmed the detection of bluetongue virus in a single ram at a premises in Cornwall.

"We urge all animal owners to ensure scrupulous biosecurity standards are in place and to report any signs of infection to the Animal and Plant Health Agency immediately."

They said bluetongue affects sheep and other ruminants such as deer and goats as well as camelids such as llamas and alpacas and cattle.

In the most severe cases, it can cause death in adult animals.

A restricted zone for bluetongue was put in place across England on 1 July which meant keepers would be able to move their animals without a specific licence or test for the disease.