Clipmark

A deadly animal disease that has devastated farms in continental Europe, killing millions of livestock, has been found in Britain for the first time, it was disclosed last night.

Bluetongue was discovered in a cow on a farm near Ipswich. The virus, which is spread by biting midges, has killed 1.8 million animals in less than a decade across the European Union.

Bluetongue has no known cure or vaccine and the most virulent strains of the virus wipe out up to 70 per cent of infected herds or flocks within two weeks.

The disease, which normally infects sheep but can affect other hoofed animals, has horrible symptoms, starting with ulcers of the mouth, nose and eyes. The infection then spreads, causing swelling to the head, lameness, and internal bleeding. Breathing difficulties and death follow.

the Prime Minister discussed the situation in conference call with Debby Reynolds

it had been described as the "new nightmare" for farmers.