Bluetongue cases negative

Defra has confirmed that tests on two suspected cases of bluetongue have proved negative.

Government vets investigated the possible outbreak on two farms, one in North Shropshire and another Greater Manchester.

The disease, spread by midges, affects ruminants including cattle and sheep, however is generally more severe in the latter. The main symptoms include the swelling of the head and neck, lameness, excessive salivation, high fever and the occasional discolouration of the tongue.