Can it really be a coincidence that the recent outbreak of blue tongue disease has struck near Ipswich?

A fortnight ago the live export of animals was moved to Ipswich as the dock in Dover was under repair.

One of the ships that transport livestock had been docked in Dunkirk for a short period. An area which is within the blue tongue area of Northern Europe.

The lorries taking animals to the ship travel along the A14, not far from the affected farm. How easy would it be for a blue tonguecarrying midge to travel on the ship?

Does anybody check whether the ship or the returning lorries are properly washed out, this appears to be a possibility that hasn't been mentioned by the authorities. I wonder why.

  • Sue Baumgardt, Stoneham Road Hove