Calls are being renewed for a voluntary ban on imports after a new strain of bluetongue was found in Holland.

The BTV1 strain of the disease has now been found in north west France and the BTV6 strain has been found for the first time.

NFU Cymru president, Dai Davies said the latest developments were very worrying.

He added: “With the introduction of BTV6 and the continuing spread of BTV1 this is also a reminder of the risks of importing animals from bluetongue areas.

“While we may not be able to legally ban imports, we need to seriously question the need for importing animals from areas where bluetongue is in circulation.

“I strongly believe that we as an industry should introduce a voluntary ban on all imports from these areas.

“The reality is that we no longer have a clear idea where the disease is active in mainland Europe and cases of bluetongue continue to soar. The industry can not afford to carry on importing animals from infected areas of Europe.”