A new strain of an animal virus is expected to spread across England, experts have warned as livestock farmers face a destructive impact. There is a “very high probability” bluetongue virus will spread by infected midges which have swept in from northern Europe. In England, there have been 126 cases on cattle and sheep farms – which does not affect people or food safety. Farmers are now calling for the development of a vaccine after one was given emergency approval in the Netherlands following the discovery of more than 6,000 cases of the new strain, known as BTV-3. The virus could kill around…
