English Winter Fair cancelled due to bluetongue concerns

The English Winter Fair, originally scheduled for 16-17 November, has been cancelled due to concerns over the spread of bluetongue virus (BTV-3).

Following a meeting on Wednesday 23 October, the organisers made the decision to cancel the event to protect both exhibitor livestock and farmers’ livelihoods.

The bluetongue restricted zone (RZ) is only 10 miles from the Staffordshire border and 30 miles from the Staffordshire County Showground where the event is held.

See also: Bluetongue BTV-3 vaccine licence available across England

Richard Williams, chief executive of the Staffordshire and Birmingham Agricultural Society – which organises the fair – said the continued spread of the disease, made worse by unseasonably mild weather, is a key factor behind the cancellation.

The society consulted with Defra, which confirmed that if the showground in Stafford fell within the RZ during the event, livestock would be subject to strict testing and licensing procedures, potentially requiring them to remain on-site.

Even a suspected case during the show would lead to major disruptions, Mr Williams added.

In any case, should the RZ expand to include the showground prior to the event, it would not go ahead, as livestock movement within such zones is restricted to essential purposes only.

Livestock health ‘prioritised’

The organiser says it has prioritised the health of the livestock, stating it would not expose exhibitors’ animals to the risk of infection.

Exhibitors will receive full refunds within the next 14 days, while sponsors and trade stands are being offered either a refund or the opportunity to secure their position for next year at the same price.

For more information, call 01785 258060.

In its latest update, Defra reports a new case of BTV-3 confirmed on 21 October in North Yorkshire, involving a sheep traced from Suffolk.

This brings the total number of cases to 146, with 144 in England and two in Wales.