Royal deer at risk from bluetongue virus

More than 800 deer at a stately home in Kent are at risk from the deadly bluetongue virus.
 The animals are at Knole Park in Sevenoaks, close to the site of the latest outbreak of the disease, nearby Longmeadow Farm.
 Tests on Wednesday confirmed the insect-borne virus had spread to the farm, making it the second in the county to confirm bluetongue cases.


 The disease mainly affects sheep and cattle, but it can also spread to deer.


 Chris Tipping from Strutt and Parker, the land agents for Knole Park, said there was "nothing we can do".


 He said: "What we will do is follow the Department for Envronment, Food and Rural Affairs' guidance and advice. In terms of any measures we can take, I don't think there is anything.