A surveillance zone for the disease bluetongue, which affects animals including cattle, sheep, goats and deer, has been extended further into Dorset.

The latest areas to be brought in include North Dorset, Purbeck and Poole, which join farms in East Dorset, Christchurch and Bournemouth which are already in the zone.

The main requirements are that animals must be tested as disease-free or immune for movements to farm or market. Farmers need to call their vets to arrange the test.

By HARRY WALTON Vehicles must be sprayed with approved disinfectant spray before loading animals for movements direct to slaughter, but movements wholly within the surveillance zone are allowed under normal controls.

County trading standards principal officer Richard Herringshaw said: "It was almost inevitable that further cases of bluetongue would be discovered and the zone would be extended.

"If farmers wish to move their animals out of the surveillance zone they should contact us first on 01305 224475 to get the latest advice on requirements. There is plenty of information on the Defra website but we recognise not everyone has access to this.

"This extension of the surveillance zone does not mean that the disease is in Dorset. It is a measure designed to slow the spread of the disease.

"The countryside remains open for business and the disease does not affect humans or food safety."