Bluetongue is found in seven cows

Bluetongue has been found in six imported cattle in Worcestershire, Defra has confirmed.

The animals, found on a premises near Worcester, were bought from Germany, said Defra.

It also said the virus, which is spread by midges, had been detected in a cow bought from France on a premises near Dorchester, Dorset.

Bluetongue was found on Wednesday in 18 cattle imported from Germany to a farm in County Durham.

The cases were detected as a result of post-import testing.

A Defra spokesman said as the animals were imported, the cases did not count as new outbreaks and there was no evidence to suggest the disease was circulating locally.