Colchester livestock auctioneer on Essex in bluetongue zone

The bluetongue virus - also known as BTV-3 - has caused widespread problems for farmers.

The virus can be potentially fatal to sheep and cattle.

Animal movement restrictions were recently expanded to include the whole of Suffolk and Norfolk after more cases of the virus were found in sheep flocks.

Animals - two lambs (Image: Karen Dickson)

Now, the whole of Essex has been included in the restricted zone and infection area.

To move animals in a disease control zone in England, Scotland or Wales requires a licence.

Movement restrictions also apply to all cattle moving out of the restriction zone.

Farmers are urged to only move animals within the extended zone when it is absolutely necessary.

Graham Ellis is a market auctioneer of livestock for Stanfords, in Colchester. He said Essex being included with Suffolk and Norfolk in the restriction zone has helped the business.

“It has made it easier to trade," he said. "The area is now Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk – until Monday night, it was only Suffolk and Norfolk.

"It has been beneficial and better for farmers as well as they can trade more easily."

Livestock auctioneer - Graham Ellis from Stanfords (Image: N/A)

Mr Ellis runs the livestock auction based on Severalls Industrial Estate.

He said Colchester being included in the zone will not have an impact on the livestock market but there will be an impact on farmers wanting to breed their stock.

If a farmer has dairy cows to sell outside of the restriction zone, they will not be able to do it “at the present time”.

Mr Ellis said: “Now Essex has been included, the impact on the market is lower than what it would have been if it wasn’t included.

“A lot of our stock come from Norfolk - we can still trade the same.

“Bluetongue hasn’t made a big difference for us, but to farmers.

“It is the farmers who are directly affected."

If you spot a case of bluetongue in England, you must report by calling 03000 200 301.