Two cattle have tested positive for bluetongue in East Anglia in the first cases to be recorded outside Kent since the disease was initially detected in Britain last month.

A 10km temporary control zone (TCZ) has been set up around the affected premises in Norfolk and the affected animals will be culled, according to a new update issued this afternoon (8 December).

However, despite the latest development, officials insist there is “currently no evidence that bluetongue virus is circulating in Great Britain”.

Eleven animals

A total of 11 animals on six premises are now known to have contracted bluetongue since the first British case was confirmed in mid-November. All but one of the confirmed cases so far are in cattle while the other was in a sheep.

Until now, all of the confirmed cases had been recorded in Kent, where a TCZ covering much of the north-east of the county remains in place.

The latest cases are said to be on a site at Cantley in the Broadland district of Norfolk, between Norwich and Great Yarmouth.

A social media post from the APHA said: “Livestock keepers must remain vigilant and follow the animal movement restrictions.”

The restrictions apply to cattle, sheep and other ruminants.