Tests for the bluetongue virus in north Shropshire and Greater Manchester have come back negative.

Animals, including sheep, were suspected of carrying the bluetongue virus yesterday, but the tests have given them the all clear.

Surveillance and Protection Zones have already been established in the south east following the first outbreak in September 2007.

Signs and symptoms of the bluetongue virus:

High fever
Excessive salivation
Swelling of the head and neck
Lameness
Discolouration of the tongue

Tests for this latest suspected outbreak of the bluetongue virus, in north Shropshire and Greater Manchester, have come back negative.

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