How Devon and Cornwall became bluetongue virus hotspot
The bluetongue virus has become widespread in Devon and Cornwall, with scientists identifying the region as the UK's primary outbreak hotspot. Experts believe the virus successfully overwintered in the UK, leading to rapid transmission during a recent warm period.
Why it matters
The outbreak poses a significant threat to the agricultural sector, specifically impacting livestock health and milk production.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Bluetongue, which is spread by midges, has spread rapidly in Devon and Cornwall
A virus which can be deadly to livestock successfully overwintered in parts of the UK before spreading rapidly, scientists believe.
Cases of the bluetongue virus, which affects sheep and cattle as well as other animals, continue to spread with the latest government figures , external showing confirmed cases on 684 farms across England, Wales and Scotland since the outbreak began in July.
Devon and Cornwall - which has almost two thirds of confirmed cases - is the epicentre of the outbreak.
Dr Simon Gubbins, an epidemiologist at the Pirbright Institute, which is testing for the virus, said the UK had "never seen anything like the South West cluster" but the strain was likely not reintroduced from Europe.
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