BAYLHAM House Rare Breeds reopened to the public at the weekend two weeks after becoming the first place in the country to have bluetongue.Neil Storer, who is in charge of livestock at the farm, near Needham Market, said he was happy to reopen but fears for the farming industry as he opened his gates on Saturday.

BAYLHAM House Rare Breeds reopened to the public at the weekend two weeks after becoming the first place in the country to have bluetongue.

Neil Storer, who is in charge of livestock at the farm, near Needham Market, said he was happy to reopen but fears for the farming industry as he opened his gates on Saturday.

Mr Storer, who saw two of his rare breed cattle were put down last month after contracting the virus, said: “We're open again because all the testing has been completed.

“People are thrilled to be back. We've had regular visitors return, some people who haven't been for a while and others who have never been before. They're pleased we've come through.

“We're happy, but remaining cautious. This is just the beginning of the problems farmers are going to face. The disease is now here in the UK. So far, it seems to have been scattered and hit everyone lightly but you wonder what will happen next year when the weather warms up.”

Visitors returned to Baylham House for the first time since bluetongue was discovered on September 22.