The number of Sussex sheep farms hit by a deadly livestock disease has more than doubled in the last three weeks.

The county is the worst hit area in Britain by the Schmallenberg virus, which leaves newborn lambs dead or deformed.

Figures from Defra show 59 Sussex sheep farms have now reported being affected by the disease.

Now cattle farmers are nervously waiting to see if the virus will affect their cows when the calving season begins in earnest next month.

Four cattle farms have already been struck by the virus.

David Taylor, who runs Housedean Farm between Lewes and Brighton, said: “We are just hoping that it won’t be as bad as we fear.

“Most cattle farmers are just waiting in trepidation to see if their cows are affected.

“If we were to lose 10% to 15% of our calves then that would represent a massive loss to our business but we simply don’t yet know how bad it could be.

“Different farms produce calves at different times of the year but the ones just starting will be very worried. It’s fairly distressing but you can’t do anything about it – you just have to get on with it.”

The Schmallenberg virus is thought to be spread by midges, mosquitoes and ticks and causes birth defects, stillbirths and miscarriages.

Farmers do not know if their animals have been affected until they give birth.

Diane Owen owns a sheep farm near Ashington, near Storrington, and said most sheep farms in her area had already reported cases of Schmallenberg’s.

She said: “We have had two with the disease so we feel like we have got off pretty lucky compared to many others.

“One of our lambs appeared to be born normally but then its legs sadly fell off. Luckily we did manage to save the ewe.

“It’s a real concern because the vet is so expensive and most sheep farmers are already under pressure.”

A spokesman from the National Farmers’ Union said: “The rise in cases is expected because farmers are in the middle of the lambing season.

“The cow farmers are now going into calving season so we are waiting to see what impact the virus may have but we do know there is no risk to humans.

“It’s a new virus but we are lucky that the scientific community are working hard to find out about the disease.”

l How has the virus affected your business? Call 01273 544531 or email bill.gardner@theargus.co.uk.