Agency animal and plant health (APHA) and the Institute of Parrita identified the disease in animals when they were brought to North Yorkshire in England from the sorting center in Central France, where the virus continues to spread.

Bluetongue does not affect humans or food safety. The virus is transmitted by insect bites and affects cows, goats, sheep, camels and some other animals. It can reduce milk production and cause infertility and in severe cases, fatal to infected animals. Insects carrying the disease are most active from may to October, and not all susceptible animals show immediate signs of infection.

In the UK, measures are being taken to ensure reduce the risk of spread of the disease. Infected imported cattle was isolated and humanely culled.

The country has introduced strict rules for the movement of cattle from the regions affected by the virus, and farmers are reminded that animals imported from these regions should be accompanied by relevant documents, to clearly show that they meet certain conditions, to reduce the risk of getting the disease in the UK.

After successful interception of infected animals, the UK is officially free from bluetongue, and the risk of penetration of the disease into the country remains low, experts said.

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