Warning as bluetongue - which can be fatal for sheep and cattle - reported in Lincolnshire

Farmers are being warned after a case of bluetongue has been reported in the county.

The disease - which attacks sheep and cattle - can cause high fever, salivation and swelling of the face and tongue and may prove deadly.

An extended temporary control zone has been declared in the East Riding of Yorkshire and North East Lincolnshire following the discovery of cases between September 4 and September 11.

“Movement restrictions apply to cattle, sheep and other ruminants and camelids and their germinal products,” a Government statement said.

Bluetongue is spread by midges and the swelling of the lips and tongue gives a blue appearance, although this does not appear in all cases.

It is also known as the dancing disease as it can lead to lameness, knee walking in sheep and the constant change of foot position in cattle.

“A case of Bluetongue virus BTV-3 has been confirmed in Lincolnshire. As a result, an extended temporary control zone has been put in place,” a Lincolnshire Trading Standards statement added.

Other restricted zones are in place in parts of Norfolk, Kent, Suffolk and Essex after 46 cases have been reported nationally.