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

Following a meeting on Wednesday October 23, organizers took the decision to cancel the event to protect both exhibitors’ livestock and farmers’ livelihoods.

The Bluetongue Restricted Zone (RZ) is just 16 miles from the Staffordshire border and 30 miles from the Staffordshire Country Showground where the event takes place.

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

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

The company consulted with Defra, who confirmed that if Stafford Showground fell into 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 cause major disruption, Mr Williams added.

Regardless, if the RZ were to expand to include the showground prior to the event, it would not continue as livestock movement within these areas is restricted to essential purposes only .

Livestock health is “a priority”

The organizer claims to have given priority to the health of livestock, specifying that it would not expose exhibitors’ animals to risks of contagion.

Exhibitors will receive a full refund within the next 14 days, while sponsors and trade stands will be 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 October 21 in North Yorkshire, involving a sheep found in Suffolk.

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