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Bluetongue disease control measures
Bluetongue disease control measures during the outbreak in the UK in September 2007. The outbreak occurred in Suffolk and the surrounding areas in East Anglia. These are the first ever cases of bluetongue disease in the UK. The bluetongue virus, spread by midges, has moved northwards from Africa into Europe. It affects ruminants such as sheep, cattle, deer and goats. The mortality rate is high in sheep, but lower in other animals. The initial response was to slaughter infected animals and impose exclusion zones around affected areas. Entering the exclusion zone results in a large fine or a 6 month prison sentence. MAFF is the former name of DEFRA, the UK government department that deals with agriculture and rural matters.
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