Defra confirmed on 28 September 2007 that Bluetongue disease is circulating between the local animal and midge population in East Anglia. The announcement followed epidemiological investigation of several cases of the disease and took account of surveillance results.

The first case was detected on 22 September. From midnight on Saturday 29 September, the Bluetongue Temporary Control Area was replaced with a Bluetongue Control Zone around the area where cases have been identified and a larger Bluetongue Protection Zone.

Following cases in Essex, both these Zones were extended on 10 October 2007.

For the latest information, including the Bluetongue Control and Bluetongue Protection Zones, please click here for the defra website.