Sheep farmers are being urged to remain vigilant after bluetongue virus (BTV) was recently detected in four sheep imported from France.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Pirbright Institute identified the disease during routine testing when the sheep arrived in Lancashire. The four infected animals have since been humanely culled.

Action is currently been taken to ensure the spread of disease is prevented and movement restrictions are in place at the affected premises. Sheep farmers across the UK are being urged to ensure they are practicing good biosecurity on their farms as well as ensuring they are remaining alert to any symptoms of the disease in their livestock which can include mouth ulcers and drooling from the mouth and nose.

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