Farmers have been urged to remain 'vigilant' after bluetongue virus restrictions were lifted in parts of Wales.

The Welsh government has confirmed that restrictions on two farms in Gwynedd and Ynys Môn have been lifted after thorough surveillance found no further evidence of the virus.

This comes after three cases of a new strain of the bluetongue virus were identified in sheep in Gwynedd back in September.

The affected sheep had been moved from a restricted zone in the east of England.

The virus was discovered through tracing high-risk animal movements, and the Welsh government has commended the work of the Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA) in keeping the rest of Wales free from the virus.

However, Huw Irranca-Davies, the Deputy Minister for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, has warned that the disease threat is not over.

He stated, "We are fortunate that these incidents have only been near misses, and that wider disease spread has not happened in Wales.

"However, we cannot afford to be complacent with animal diseases."

The Welsh government has reiterated its policy of not allowing the movement of susceptible animals from the restricted zone in England, except to designated abattoirs.

This policy aims to protect Welsh livestock from the disease.

Farmers are encouraged to use an online bluetongue interactive map provided by APHA.

The map allows users to search by postcode to visualise the extent of the restricted zone.

Mr Irranca-Davies said, "It is crucial that farmers, vets and livestock traders work together and exercise caution, verifying the origin and health status of animals before movement.

"We have a collective responsibility to protect the health and welfare of our herds and flocks, and I urge all keepers to think not only of the risks that livestock movements could pose to their own animals, but also to their neighbours."

The bluetongue virus affects various types of livestock, including cattle, sheep, goats, deer, and llamas.

Symptoms of the disease include a swollen blue tongue, fever, and reduced milk yield, with severe cases potentially leading to death.

Fortunately, the disease does not affect humans or food safety.

Looking ahead, the Welsh government is preparing for a potential increase in the threat of bluetongue next spring.

They are committed to ongoing partnership work with the Pirbright Institute, APHA, and other UK administrations to ensure preparedness.

This includes considering the role of livestock vaccination against bluetongue.

For now, farmers are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspected signs of bluetongue to the APHA immediately.

Infected midges can still cause new infections, even in lower temperatures, posing a continued risk to livestock.