Naomi Williams-Roberts has admitted she is concerned about the threat posed by bluetongue (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

       A deadly outbreak of bluetongue disease could kill thousands of sheep and cattle and prove “absolutely devastating” for the livestock industry, experts have warned.

       A new strain of the virus is being brought into the UK by midges blown over from Europe.

       by Taboola by Taboola

       Sponsored Link Sponsored Link

       Promoted Links Promoted Links

       Nugenix

       GNC's #1 Testosterone Booster Turning Old Men Into 'Young Bucks'Nugenix Read More

       Undo

       Greg Smith,Tory MP for the rural constituency of Buckingham, said the spread was worrying, especially as there was not yet a vaccine.

       He said: “Bluetongue is deadly for livestock farmers and could wipe out thousands of cattle and sheep.

       “Whatever steps are necessary to get a vaccine in place fast must be taken.”

       Sponsored

       Health Insight Journаl

       Health Insight Journаl Learn More

       New Edema Device Leaves Experts Speechless (It's Genius!)

       Undo

       by Taboola by Taboola

       READ MORE: Insects ‘blown over’ from Europe are bringing deadly disease to UK - warning

       Cattle are also affected by bluetongue (Image: Getty)

       Bluetongue primarily affects cattle, sheep, goats and deer, as well as llamas.

       The impact can vary greatly depending on both the species and the strain.

       Some animals show no symptoms, while for oth- ers it can cause productivity issues, such as a reduced milk yield.

       In the most severe cases, it can be fatal for infected animals. The virus does not affect people or food safety.

       Shepherdess Naomi Williams-Roberts, 30, said the outbreak was already a “massive concern”. She runs a rented 120-acre livestock farm in Llangybi, South Wales, and said: “This would be a massive concern for farmers, us included. There were area restrictions in place early this year around Kent, where cases were picked up.

       Don't miss...

       Assisted dying could be legal in UK within five years, says Sir David Davis [INSIGHT]

       Obama sent a grave warning about Biden – now his greatest fear has come true [ANALYSIS]

       Innocuous beach pastime could see Britons fined ￡1,000 [VIDEO]

       NFU President Tom Bradshaw (Image: Getty)

       SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

       We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

       Trending

       “It could be absolutely devastating, or nothing, depending on the midge activity and also vaccinations.”

       The new strain of bluetongue, known as BTV-3, was first spotted in November in England.

       Since then, there have been 126 cases in the out- break across four counties – Kent, Norfolk, Suffolk and Surrey.There is no vaccine in the UK but a new one has been approved for emergency use in the Netherlands and Belgium.

       Tom Bradshaw, of the National Farmers Union, said: “It is becoming increasingly clear the Dutch BTV-3 vaccine won’t be authorised for use in the UK quickly enough to protect livestock this summer.

       “Defra’s own risk assessment shows bluetongue is highly likely to spread widely across the UK.”

       Biosecurity Minister Lord Douglas-Miller said: “We will continue to work with the industry.”

       Related articles Enough is enough... it's time for a new deal for British farmers – Steve Reed Kaleb Cooper admits 'farming saved me' as he opens up on childhood Countryfile's Adam Henson makes viewers queasy as they issue same complaint Our Yorkshire Farm's Reuben Owen's girlfriend snaps at star after farming error UK farmers facing worst crisis in almost 200 years issue urgent warning