Bluetongue cases near 50 as farmers and vets meet to discuss situation

The number of bluetongue cases in Norfolk and Kent could soon reach 50 as farmers and vets have organised an 'urgent' meeting to discuss the situation.

Both counties are still in a temporary control zone (TCZ) since the initial outbreak of bluetongue in mid-November, which was the UK's first case since 2007.

As of 10 January, there have now been a total of 47 cases of bluetongue in infected animals, on 27 farms and holdings.

It said the government is continuing to monitor the situation, but added that there is still no evidence the virus is circulating in midges.