One sheep near Haddiscoe in South Norfolk has tested positive for bluetongue, an infection that can kill farm animals but is not harmful to people.
It is thought to be the first infection case of the 2024–2025 season in the UK.
Now, a 20-kilometer control zone has been established around the Norfolk property in an effort to reduce the possibility of additional transmission.
When infected biting midges were carried over from northern Europe in May, the government said that there was a “high probability” of the arrival of a new strain of the virus, known as BTV-3.
According to officials, there has been a sharp rise in cases in Germany and the Netherlands, along with new cases in France, Luxembourg, and Denmark.
Livestock affected by the virus includes sheep, cattle, goats, deer, and llamas. A blue and swollen tongue, fever, decreased milk production, and, in the worst situations, death are some of the symptoms.
Ele Brown, the deputy chief veterinarian for the United Kingdom, stated on Monday that farmers have to regularly inspect their livestock and notify the Animal and Plant Health Agency of any concerns.
