Two more cases of deadly Bluetongue virus found in Wales

TWO more cases of a deadly livestock disease have been found in Wales, bringing the total to four.

- By ANDREW FORGRAVE Countryside and Tourism Editor

Bluetongue in a ewe

Speaking in the Senedd yesterday, Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said it was the news Wales had been “dreading”.

Wales Chief Vet has confirmed two additional cases of Bluetongue in Powys - one near Llangammarch Wells, the other near Gladestry.

This follows last week's announcement of two Bluetongue cases near Presteigne, Powys and near Chepstow, Monmouthshire.

Epidemiological investigations are ongoing at all sites to determine the source. The holdings remain under restrictions, with no livestock moves on or off permitted, except under specific licence.

The news follows the discovery in Britain for the first time of a 'new strain' of bluetongue, a disease transmitted mainly by midges which affects all ruminants and all camelids, such as alpacas and llamas. The BTV-8 strain, which causes severe symptoms in unvaccinated animals, has been confirmed in Cornwall.