By tf-lawyer.com Farmers in North Northamptonshire are grappling with new restrictions on animal movements following an expansion of the bluetongue restriction zone. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) recently announced this extension after confirming two bluetongue cases near the border of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.
The bluetongue virus, transmitted through midge bites, is often brought over from continental Europe during warmer months. While Defra clarifies that the disease poses no risk to humans or food safety, it can have severe health implications for animals, leading to issues such as infertility and respiratory problems. Since the outbreak was initially identified in Suffolk on August 26, multiple cases have emerged across various farms.
In serious cases, bluetongue can be deadly for infected animals. Symptoms can differ by species but typically include fever, lesions on the mouth and eyes, nasal redness, skin discoloration above the hooves, excessive drooling, and nasal discharge. Notably, some infected animals may show little to no symptoms at all.
David Brackenbury, the executive member for growth and regeneration at North Northamptonshire Council, underscored the necessity of taking proactive steps to control this highly infectious disease. He stressed, “We must do all we can to try and stop this very infectious disease from spreading further across the country.”
Farmers are urged to keep a close watch on their livestock and to report any signs of the disease immediately. For further information about the restrictions, resources are available on the Defra website. Locals can also stay informed about Northamptonshire news through platforms like BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X.
