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The first reported case of bluetongue has been found on farms in Essex and Kent for the 2024/25 vector season.

APHA confirmed four cases have now been detected at farms in Essex since Wednesday (September 11), while the first case of the virus was reported in Faversham, Kent on Thursday (September 12).

An additional case has also been discovered in East Yorkshire.

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The Government body also confirmed two further incidents of bluetongue had been detected in Lincolnshire,.

The first case of the virus in the county was reported on Tuesday (September 10) in North East Lincolnshire.

According to the Government, there have been 41 cases of the disease reported on farms in Suffolk, Essex, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and Norfolk since August 26.

On August 30, the UK's Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss replaced 20km Temporary Control Zones in Norfolk and Suffolk with restriction zones, which was extended into Essex without a case being detected.

Defra said farmers could be breaking the law if they do not report bluetongue.

Íæż½ã½ã should contact Defra on 03000200301 in England, 03003038268 in Wales or the nearest in Scotland.

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