Rochdale has been included in a protection zone after an outbreak of Bluetongue - one hundred miles away.
The borough has been placed in a `surveillance zone' as a result of the Department of the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs, confirming a case of the disease in the Lincolnshire area.
There is no blanket ban on the movement of livestock but restrictions have come into force across Rochdale preventing movements without testing and licences.
Bluetongue is a disease that affects ruminating animals including: cattle, deer, goats, camels, llamas, alpacas and particularly sheep.
It does not affect pigs or horses.
The disease is characterised by changes to the mucous linings of the mouth and nose and the coronary band of the foot. Bluetongue is caused by a virus spread by certain types of biting midges. Bluetongue does not affect humans.
Health implications
Rochdale Borough Council's Head of Planning and Regulation, Peter Rowlinson, said: "We need to be clear that there are currently no reported instances of Bluetongue in the borough and no health implications for humans.
"However, farmers should be vigilant and continue to routinely monitor stock and report any suspicious symptoms.
"We are all hoping that the current outbreaks of Bluetongue are contained because of the impact animal disease has across the whole of the borough.
"The Environmental Control Team will be available to advise businesses and will monitor compliance with the restrictions now in place."
