Farmers have been urged to stay vigilant after a case of bluetongue disease was confirmed in Shropshire.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) announced the single case, prompting Shropshire Council's animal health team to issue advice to farmers.

The affected premises are currently under movement restrictions, and the infected animal has been culled.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease that primarily affects sheep, cattle, other ruminants such as deer and goats, and camelids such as llamas and alpacas.

It does not affect humans or food safety but poses significant risks to livestock movement and trade.

Farmers are reminded that failure to report the disease is against the law.

Key clinical signs of bluetongue in sheep include ulcers in the mouth and nose, eye and nasal discharge, swelling of lips, tongue, head, and neck, red skin, fever, lameness, breathing issues, abortions, foetal deformities, stillbirths, and death.

In cattle, symptoms include lethargy, crusty erosions around the nostrils and muzzle, redness in the mouth, eyes, and nose, skin redness above the hoof, nasal discharge, teat erosions, fever, milk drop, anorexia, abortions, foetal deformities, and stillbirths.

Farmers who suspect bluetongue in their livestock are urged to report it immediately by calling 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales.

For more information and updates, farmers are advised to visit the government website or contact their local veterinary services.