The first case of a new strain of the bluetongue virus has been found on Anglesey.

It's the fourth such case to be found in North West Wales in less than a week, after three sheep in Gwynedd were found to have contracted the virus.

The Welsh Government confirmed on Wednesday evening that bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) has been identified in an unidentified animal, which had been moved to Anglesey from the east of England.

Bluetongue is caused by a virus that is primarily transmitted by certain species of biting midges. It affects ruminants (such as cattle, goats, sheep and deer) and camelids (such as alpacas and llamas).

It does not affect people or food safety as the disease does not infect humans - it usually affects sheep, goats, cattle, deer and camelids.

In a brief statement on Wednesday evening, a Welsh Government spokesperson said: "Please continue to be vigilant for the disease and practice safe sourcing of livestock."

Any suspect cases must be reported immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

Earlier in the Senedd, the deputy first minister confirmed the three sheep infected by bluetongue had been culled to reduce the risk of the virus.

Huw Irranca Davies, the rural affairs secretary, said the sheep had been moved to Wales before restriction zones were put in place in England.

Tests on all other sheep and cattle carried out at the site were found to be negative, although the affected farm will remain under some restrictions for the time being.

Mr Irranca Davies said: "My policy goal remains to keep bluetongue out of Wales, for the benefit of our animals and of those who keep them."

"I appreciate that many in the farming community will be concerned about Bluetongue. Dealing successfully with a disease incursion such as this requires co-operation and collaboration between farmers, vets and the various government agencies involved."

But the Welsh Conservatives accused the Welsh Government of being too late to react to the spread of the virus, since the first cases were confirmed in England.

James Evans, shadow rural affairs minister, said: "The spread of Bluetongue is concerning and whilst I welcome any action from the Welsh Government, there have been cases in England since August and plans have been put in place by DEFRA to counter the spread."

"Yet, Labour in Wales have been late to react. The Welsh Government must get a grip on this situation quickly and ease the concerns of the rural community.”

Further information about the clinical signs of bluetongue can be found on the Welsh Government website.