new virus is causing lambs to be born with deformities so severe that they die within seconds. Cows too ?


Sorry I will post link again.

snip...

Vet Toby Kemble has already seen deformed lambs at eight out of 10 sheep farms he has been to in north Norfolk this year.

"It's concerning for the farmer, from their point of view they are losing lambs and losing productivity but it's very upsetting seeing the lambs," he said.

So far the majority of confirmed cases have been in Suffolk and Norfolk. But farms in Kent, East Sussex, Essex and Hertfordshire have also been affected.

And in West Sussex the virus has been found not just in sheep but also cattle. Most lambs and calves are born in the spring so for many farmers it is a waiting game.

"It's a new virus so we just don't know what's going to happen," said Mr Kemble.