A new strain of the animal disease bluetongue has appeared in the UK for the first time after infected cattle were brought into the country, the Government said tonight.

The disease type, known as BTV1, was found in five imported animals near Blackpool in Lancashire and they have now been destroyed.

But Defra said there was no evidence that BTV1 was circulating in the UK and no extra control zones have been declared.

The animals came from an area in south west France where the movement of livestock is controlled because of bluetongue, and their condition was detected in tests carried out by Defra after they were imported.

The affected animals' documentation followed EU bluetongue rules as their movement took place at least 60 days after they had been vaccinated, Defra said.

An investigation is now taking place at the premises where the cattle were held and further checks on other animals there will be carried out.

One other animal from the same consignment was found to have bluetongue and was culled, but the strain could not be determined.

Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbens said: "This is the first case of BTV1 infected animals being imported into the UK.

"This incident shows how important it is for farmers to consider potential disease risks when buying stock.

"Buyers need to consider how best to protect their own businesses and those of their neighbours and make sure they are clear about the stock they are intending to buy."

There are already 148 premises across England and Wales which have been affected by another type of bluetongue, BTV8.

Bluetongue is a disease which affects "ruminant" animals like sheep and cattle, but not horses or pigs.

Caused by a virus spread by midges, it is widespread in Europe and France.