FARMERS in Worcestershire are facing another blow following a detected case of bluetongue in Suffolk.

It is the first time the virus, which affects cattle, goats, sheep and deer, has been discovered in Britain. It is spread by midge bites.

Christopher Bennett, manager of Bennetts Farm in Lower Wick, Worcester said it was another worry for the industry, which is still coming to terms with the latest Foot and Mouth outbreak.

"Obviously we are very concerned now because it hits cattle as well as sheep," he said.

"Sheep and cattle have been so badly hit already in 2001 and we can't manage any more.

"It's all up to the weather now and is out of our hands.

"With October next week we are hoping the cooler weather will stop the midges - we are just praying we are going to be okay."

The virus was found in a highland cow in Suffolk on Sunday - the animal was put down and a 20km (12 mile) control zone put in place.

The symptoms are similar to foot-and-mouth, and the strain that infected the cow - Serotype 8 - was the same to hit livestock in northern Europe.

Government chief vet Debby Reynolds urged farmers to remain vigilant. Once an oubreak is confirmed restrictions could be put on livestock movements, but widespread culling is not official policy.

A vaccine is being developed in time for a possible mass vaccination programme next summer.

Meanwhile chairman of Worcestershire County Council has offered his support to farmers after a livestock movement ban was imposed following the outbreak of Foot and Mouth in Surrey earlier this month.

Coun John Smith said: "This outbreak could not have come at a worse time for Worcestershire farmers. With the recent restriction movements in place, key rural events such as the Hop and Cheese market that sees over 4,000 sheep come to Worcestershire for sale had to be cancelled.

"Many farmers across the county are still recovering from the 2001 Foot and Mouth outbreak that caused utter devastation that left the countryside a no-go area. Numerous farmers were left isolated facing the harrowing task of culling their livestock.

"My deepest thoughts and sympathies are with our farming community at this extremely difficult time."

Contingency plans are place should an outbreak of either disease affect Worcestershire.

For information contact Defra at www.defra.gov.uk or 08459 335577. Farmers in need of guidance should contact the Animal Health team on 01905 765394.

What is bluetongue?

-Bluetongue is characterised by changes to the mucous linings of the mouth and nose and the coronary band of the foot. The mouth of the animal does not necessarily turn blue.

-Humans cannot catch it.

-Symptoms are generally more severe in sheep, although cattle can occasionally show signs of disease.

-Bluetongue was first discovered in South Africa but has since been recognised in most countries in the tropics and sub-tropics.

-Since 1999 there have been widespread outbreaks of bluetongue in Greece, Italy, Corsica and the Spanish Balearic Islands. This year there have been cases in Germany, Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

-Bluetongue is spread by midge bites and is most commonly seen in the late summer and autumn.