Vets detect new bluetongue virus

Five imported cattle on a Lancashire farm have tested positive for a new strain of the bluetongue virus.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said it was the first time that bluetongue serotype 1 (BTV1) had been found in the UK.

The animals, imported from south-west France, were culled and there was no evidence BTV1 has spread, Defra said.

The premises near Blackpool are now under restrictions while Defra vets check other animals on the site.