A case of a new animal disease which causes birth defects in livestock has been confirmed in the Westcountry.

The Schmallenberg Virus, which is thought to be spread by midges, was only identified in Germany in December.

However, the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said there were now 52 confirmed cases in England including one in Cornwall.

The affected farm in Cornwall has not been identified. It is not known if the sheep contracted the disease while on the farm or had been bought from another area.

Farmers are being urged to be vigilant and report any suspected cases of the disease which can lead to late abortions and deformities in newborn sheep, goats and cattle.

The National Farmers' Union said European countries had to work together to develop a rapid field test to identify animals infected with the virus and a vaccine to protect vulnerable livestock. Vice-president Gwyn Jones said: "In the short term we are encouraging farmers to continue to check their animals and report any suspicious symptoms to their vet, the more information available the quicker a solution can be found."