And it is farmers throughout the UK - not just in vaccinated areas and not only cattle farmers - who will have to bear the consequences for a very long time to come.

BBC: Q&A: Why not vaccinate?

The birds were formerly widespread and common in the UK, but they were gradually killed off by farmers and gamekeepers.

BBC: red kite

He said the UK should do more to help smallhold farmers in developing countries to ensure supplies were maintained.

BBC: MPs urge UK to eat less meat to help global food supplies

It was first detected in the UK early last year but has now spread to more than 1, 000 farms across the country, the National Farmers Union (NFU) said.

BBC: Schmallenberg: Farmers on 'tenterhooks' during lambing

Mr Haddock said farmers' leaders had spoken to the authorities in New Zealand - a major provider of lamb to the UK - to seek a reduction in lamb exports to help Britain through this crisis.

BBC: Mass 'unwanted' lamb cull looms