Three new cases of bluetongue disease have been identified in Kent.

In an update today, the government revealed that three cows have tested positive in the Sandwich Bay area.

Sadly, all the animals affected will be humanely culled to keep it from spreading.

Four other cows were found to have the virus on November 25.

This brings the total number of cases to 14 on seven different farms, only one of which is outside Kent.

Bluetongue is a viral disease spread by insects which can infect sheep, cattle and goats.

Strict rules on the movement of livestock from regions affected by bluetongue are already in place.

The Temporary Control Zone stretches from Canterbury to Thanet and down to Dover.

Farmers have been reminded that animals imported from these regions must be accompanied by the relevant paperwork to clearly show they meet certain conditions designed to reduce disease risk, such as correct vaccination.

It does not pose a threat to humans or food.

A spokesman from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: “Following active surveillance in the north-east Kent Temporary Control Zone, a further three cases of bluetongue in cattle have been identified on a holding in the Sandwich Bay area.

“The holding is situated in the existing TCZ.

“All three animals will be humanely culled to minimise the risk of onward transmission.

“The TCZ is not being extended and movement restrictions continue to apply to cattle, sheep and other ruminants in the Zone.

“This brings the total number of cases to 14 on seven different holdings.

“There is currently still no evidence that the bluetongue virus is circulating in Great Britain. Surveillance is ongoing.”