The cases are largely confined to the central regions of Allier, Doubs, Loire, Puy de Dome, Haute-Loire and Saôn et Loire.

The latest cases detected were found in just one or two cattle of the entire herd and no clinical cases have been reported so far. France has been carrying out active surveillance on herds as part of pre-movement testing, in order to combat the ongoing problem, with 318 cases reported since the beginning of this year.

The country also has sentinel surveillance in regions along the perimeter of the restriction zone and along the northern coast of the country. The restriction zone has remained in place since April and has not changed with the further outbreaks.

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Britain’s response

The UK has decided to keep its risk level at medium, but the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs says this level may be upgraded over the coming weeks if the bluetongue virus spreads to northern parts of France.

Britain made the bluetongue vaccine available to all cattle and sheep back in June of this year, following an increase of the virus in France.

Bluetongue particularly affects cattle and sheep and does not pose a threat to humans or affect animal products.

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Britain makes bluetongue vaccine available

France reports further outbreaks of bluetongue