Bluetongue outbreak extends to Essex

Defra said it could prove fatal for infected animals “in the most severe cases”.

The virus is spread by the bites of midges that are often blown over from the continent during spells of warm weather.

The virus was first detected during this outbreak at a farm near Beccles, Suffolk, on 26 August.

On Thursday, a temporary control zone was set up in East Yorkshire after a case was found near Withernsea.

Defra said farmers should continue to monitor their animals frequently and report “suspicion of disease” immediately.

Last winter there were 126 bluetongue cases in England, on 73 premises in four counties.