What is Bluetongue disease?
It is a non-contagious virus spread by a species of midge and is most commonly seen in the late summer and autumn.
All ruminants, such as cattle, goats, deer and sheep, are susceptible, although symptoms are generally most severe in sheep.
Signs of the disease in species vary, but key indicators include a high fever, excessive salivation, swelling of the head and neck, lameness and sometimes discolouration of the tongue.
According to the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), in some susceptible breeds of sheep up to 70% of a flock can die from the virus.
Animals that survive the disease can suffer long-term damage, such as a reduction in meat and wool production.
The virus does not affect humans.
How is it spread?
It is passed on by midges. After a midge bites an infected animal, the midge passes the infection on by biting an uninfected animal.
Bluetongue cannot be transmitted directly between animals.
However, Defra says it cannot rule out transmission of the virus between livestock by unhygienic practices, such as using contaminated surgical equipment or hypodermic needles.
How far can the midges travel?
Defra says initial studies have found that a midge can travel approximately 1.5km (1 mile) to 2km (1.2 miles) day.
However, in certain weather, midges can be carried much further, especially over water masses - up to 200km (124 miles).
Such distances vary according to local environmental, topographical and meteorological conditions, Defra says.
Will infected animals be culled?
Because bluetongue is spread by insects, Defra says compulsory slaughter of infected livestock would not normally be carried out.
Where has the disease been found?
Bluetongue was first discovered in South Africa but has since been found in most countries in the tropics and sub-tropics.
Since August 2006, the virus has been found in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and northern France.
There have also been outbreaks of different strains of the disease in Greece, Italy, Corsica and the Balearic Islands since 1998.
Cases have also occurred in Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia and Yugoslavia.
The first case in the UK was detected last September. The disease spread to other parts of south-east England and protection and surveillance zones remain in place.
A possible new outbreak of the bluetongue virus is being investigated in animals in north-west England.
The suspected cases have been found in north Shropshire and Greater Manchester and two of the animals are sheep.
If tests prove positive, it will mean new restrictions for thousands of livestock farmers in large parts of the UK previously free of the disease.
Can livestock be vaccinated against bluetongue?
There are no bluetongue vaccines suitable against the outbreak in northern Europe, according to Defra.
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