FARMERS are being urged to vaccinate their livestock against bluetongue after a case was discovered in the New Forest.

An animal was found to have contracted the potentially deadly virus last month and the Forest has been earmarked as a protection zone.

Environmentalists are joining forces to persuade farmers and Commoners to register with vets before May when a vaccination will be made available.

Stephen Trotter, New Forest National Park Authority's director of conservation, recreation and sustainable development, said: "Unless everyone gets their stock vaccinated, the potential benefits could be undermined by the transmission of the virus through unhygienic practices."

An information pack is also due to be sent out to animal owners.