Suffolk's bishop has called for support for farmers facing the "devastating impact" of Bluetongue in their livestock.

The Right Reverend Martin Seeley, Bishop of the St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Diocese is urging more support for farmers and related business affected after government official imposed a series of restrictions to curb the spread of the disease - which can be fatal to some livestock.

Sheep farmers - including Tim Pratt at Wantisden Hall Farms, Woodbridge - have already seen some of their animals die as a result of the virus, which is spread by infected midges.

These have been blown by the wind from continental Europe, where the disease has taken hold.  Farmers in all of Suffolk, Essex and Norfolk are in a Bluetongue zone.

It affects cattle and sheep as well as goats, alpacas and deer.

They  face restrictions which mean that they can't move their animals outside the zone except under licence.

Bishop Martin - who is president of Suffolk Show hosts the Suffolk Agricultural Association - has taken a big interest in farming since he was appointed as the county's bishop.

“This disease is deadly for the animals, and the movement restrictions means farmers cannot take their animals to market," he said. 

“This severely affects the livelihood and well being of farmers and their families, as well as those in businesses that support our agriculture.”  

He added: “We have been anticipating for some time that Bluetongue could come to this part of the world since it is has been present in midges the other side of the North Sea and it was only a matter of time before they reached us.  

“What we need now is much more support for farmers and others who are suffering from the impact both of the disease in their livestock and the consequent restrictions on moving their farm animals.”