Two cattle have proved positive following tests carried out on Friday February 1 by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

The infected animals were found as a result of pre-movement testing currently required in the vector-free period.

Defra has limited the transportation of livestock and movement of agricultural vehicles in Sussex. Haywards Heath was already in a Control Zone that had been set up in the South East, following outbreaks of the disease in the region. Farmers must have livestock tested before moving them to farms outside the Zone.

Following the Haywards Heath outbreak, the Zone has been extended to the Horsham and Crawley District Council areas.

David Edwards, Principal Trading Standards Officer, said: "Farmers within the extended Zone must obey the testing rules if they wish to move cattle, sheep or goats.

"They are required by law to examine their stock regularly and report any suspicious symptoms, plus keep the stock movement records which enables quick traceability."

There is no outright ban on movements of cattle, sheep or goats and no health implications for humans, he said.

Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Safety, said: "In events like this our Trading Standards Officers are committed to working closely with the farming community in West Sussex to ensure control measures are adhered to in the countryside."

The bluetongue virus, which affects mainly sheep but also cattle and goats, is transmitted by midges.

An easy to read summary has been put together for farmers who are concerned about reports of this nature. The Defra website and helpline – 08459 33 55 77 – can be contacted, and Trading Standards staff are available to assist with advice on any Animal Health matter.

Listen to an interview by Chris Rider, of West Sussex County Council, with David Edwards from West Sussex County Council Trading Standards, who are monitoring the outbreak, in the audio play link attached to this story.

If you've been affected by the outbreak of the virus, email the Middy with your views


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