51AVÊÓÆµ

Four additional cases of bluetongue found at farms in Kent

Defra confirmed a total of five cows have been culled since November 11 after contracting bluetongue

Chris Brayford
clock • 1 min read
Defra has confirmed an additional four cases of bluetongue has been detected at two new farms in Kent (generic)
Image:

Defra has confirmed an additional four cases of bluetongue has been detected at two new farms in Kent (generic)

Farmers have been urged to remain extra vigilant after four additional cattle were diagnosed with bluetongue virus in Kent.

The first incident of bluetongue - an insect-borne viral disease - had been detected in one cow at a farm in Canterbury, Kent, on November 11.

Advice for farmers about the temporary Bluetongue control zone

Defra and APHA confirmed the cow had been culled with a 10km temporary control zone in operation around the affected farm to ‘restrict the movement of susceptible animals'.

However, Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said four more cases had been identified at two additional new farms in Canterbury, Kent, on Saturday (November 25) - within 5km of the first finding.

Ms Middlemiss said the cattle would be culled to ‘reduce the risk of onward transmission'.

Farmers urged to be vigilant for new strain of bluetongue virus

More on Livestock

Forage for CH4nge project reveals interesting findings

Forage for CH4nge project reveals interesting findings

Preliminary results of the Forage for CH4nge project were shared with farmers at a meeting in Leyburn, North Yorkshire

Farmers Guardian
clock 28 January 2026 • 3 min read
TOP TIPS FOR LAMBING TIME: Small changes add up

TOP TIPS FOR LAMBING TIME: Small changes add up

Making small, but significant tweaks to lambing management procedures can dramatically improve lamb survival

Farmers Guardian
clock 27 January 2026 • 4 min read
Three generations drive pedigree Beef Shorthorn success in Ceredigion

Three generations drive pedigree Beef Shorthorn success in Ceredigion

Bulls from the Evans family’s Llwynhywel herd will be making the long trip to Stirling Bull Sales

Farmers Guardian
clock 26 January 2026 • 7 min read