There has been a sudden outbreak of Blue Tongue Disease on a farm near Ipswich just this weekend. This has caused many problems for the farmers near Ipswich, as only two weeks ago they were given the all-clear for foot and mouth disease. Blue Tongue Disease is said to have been transported from Belgium.

The Blue Tongue disease cannot be spread between animals; it can only be spread through a mosquito or midge. Blue Tongue Disease will come as a huge blow to the economy, as there have to be larger protection zones which will lead to unused land, and therefore money loss. It also lasts far longer than foot and mouth so it causes a larger health hazard.

The farm in Ipswich have been told that they could suffer for over a year, for scientists have said that it could take this long to create a vaccination for blue tongue disease.

On the other hand, farmers in Northern Ireland are hopeful that the disease will not spread as far North as them, and that the farmer’s precautions for the foot and mouth out-break will help prevent the disease spreading.

As an extra precaution the farmers have been told by the department of agriculture to regularly inspect their animals for any signs of disease, and to frequently use insecticides, to try and kill the insects spreading the disease.

Symptoms:
In sheep you get a high temperature
A swollen head
Difficulty in breathing
Ulcers in the mouth
Nasal discharge



Although, there can be cases where their symptoms are not visible, and the disease will appear as if from nowhere.

The government have reported that because foot and mouth disease is far easier to spread and far more rampant; it is still the first priority for the government. They will continue to keep their policies on foot and mouth disease in place. As for Blue Tongue disease, there is yet to be laws put in place.

Sinead and Lizi, 13