Fears are growing that Bluetongue restrictions across East Anglia could last into the vital spring period - cutting off sheep and cattle breeders from some of their key markets.

Farmers involved in rearing pedigree herds are bracing themselves for the worst as the warm autumn weather continues.

They are hoping for a cold snap to wipe out midges - the carriers of the virus. Bluetongue can have a devastating impact particularly on lambing ewes but is not a threat to human health.

As more cases come to light, a restriction zone imposed across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and part of Greater London has been extended to include Kent and East Sussex. 

(Image: CHARLOTTE BOND) And an extended restricted zone (RZ) this week replaced a temporary control zone (TCZ) in force in the East Riding of Yorkshire and parts of Lincolnshire.

Three vaccines have been approved for us subject to licence. These reduce the effects of the virus rather than preventing it.

Farmers selling their animals into the meat market can take their animals out of the restriction zone to designated slaughterhouses.

But farmers wanting to sell their sheep at specialist breeders' markets are finding themselves at the sharp end. 

John Rix of Wissington Charolais had six bulls line up for Stirling and Welshpool markets at the end of October and beginning of November but feels it is unlikely restrictions will be lifted in time. He keeps around 350 cattle at Nayland on the Essex/Suffolk border.

John Rix, right, and Darren Knox with a prize-winning Charolais bull (Image: Sarah Chambers) "The likelihood is we won't be going," he said. "It does have quite an impact because obviously we can't move cattle outside the zone at the moment. It's quite difficult for instance going up to the pedigree sales at Stirling. the Scots wouldn't want to risk buying a bull from our area at the moment."

He added: "It looks like it's cancelled out the autumn bull sales for us which is difficult because come March these are going to be six months older. It's not great."

They would have to take the financial hit from it, he said. And he was worried that restriction would continue. "The likelihood is unless we get a very cold winter it will continue through until next spring.

Chris Partridge, of Kersey Livestock, near Ipswich, said his pedigree British Blue cattle herd was more affected by the restrictions at the moment than his 50 Suffolk Sheep ewes.

"I am concerned," he said. He is carrying out daily checks but so far his animals are disease-free.

But he added: "Right at the moment it's not too serious because we can still move stock for slaughter which is crucial really and we can take them to Colchester market."

Farmers were having to deal with the uncertainty, he said. "We just get on with it," he added.

Andrew Foulds, who fattens sheep across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, admitted he was worried.

"At the moment we are certainly not panicking and we are just going with the flow seeing what regulations the ministry are going to impose on us next," he said.

"I'm obviously concerned about it and we don't really want it to spread but we are managing to cope."

UK chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said officials were taking prompt action to mitigate the spread of the disease and urged farmers to adhere to restrictions to prevent the spread of the disease.

“We appreciate the impact restrictions can have on farmers and are committed to working with everyone affected. We will continue to keep control zones under review as our understanding of the disease picture develops,” she added.