51AVÊÓƵ

English Winter Fair cancelled due to bluetongue risk

The English Winter Fair, which was due to be held on November 16-17, 2024 at Staffordshire County Showground has been cancelled due to the continuing spread of bluetongue

clock • 1 min read
English Winter Fair cancelled due to bluetongue risk

The event organisers said they had ‘no option' but to cancel the event, and added the risk of holding the event was ‘too great'.

READ NOW: Bluetongue updates: British farmers in 20 counties now face life in a bluetongue restriction zone

Richard Williams, chief executive of the Staffordshire and Birmingham Agricultural Society, said: "The restriction zone is currently some 10 miles from the Staffordshire County border and 30 miles from the showground. Given the fact the disease is continuing to spread as a result of the unseasonable mild weather, the risk of the restriction zone extending to encompass the showground is too great."

Restriction zone

Mr Williams added they had taken the difficult decision to cancel the event due to concerns the showground could be incorporated into the restriction zone during the event, meaning livestock would have to remain on site until testing and licencing procedures were completed.

He said: "Our main concern is that we would not in any way expose our exhibitor's livestock to the risk of disease which we believe would be the case if the event were to go ahead."

READ NOW: Bluetongue vaccine licence available in England

The event, which also includes the National Pedigree Calf Show, is usually the first major winter fair of the year, and attracts livestock exhibitors from all corners of the UK.

Exhibitors are being offered a full refund and should receive this within 14 days.

Podcast

Earlier this year, Dairy Farmer editor Katie Jones spoke with Mel McPherson, of Avon 51AVÊÓƵVets in Wiltshire, about a potential rise in cases of Schmallenberg.

And similarly with bluetongue, there could potentially be a spike in cases if biting midge activity increases due to warmer weather.

VB Fabrications LTD

£±Ê°¿´¡

New & Used Bulk Milk Tanks

£±Ê°¿´¡

DAIRY CATTLE FOR SALE

£±Ê°¿´¡

More on Livestock

Profits down at H&H despite ag sector success

Profits down at H&H despite ag sector success

Chief executive Richard Rankin said the company would be focusing on its agricultural business going forward

Alex Black
clock 09 November 2024 • 2 min read
Farmers and transporters urged to look out for ingrown horns following increased risk

Farmers and transporters urged to look out for ingrown horns following increased risk

Ingrowing horns are becoming an increasing problem and cattle should be checked for issues before being transported, says APHA

clock 05 November 2024 • 1 min read
Do not compromise on water quality

Do not compromise on water quality

Pig and poultry producers are urged to pay close attention to the quality of drinking water

clock 02 November 2024 • 4 min read