November’s English Winter Fair will continue to attract entries from across the UK after its organisers secured a TB dispensation from Defra.
Because of new TB rules, participation from farmers in the low risk area was in doubt before Defra granted the dispensation meaning their cattle will not be required to undergo post-show testing or remain on the holding for 60 days.
"It’s a great relief that the English Winter Fair has secured the temporary dispensation and we are now looking forward to another fantastic event," said Richard Williams, CEO of the Staffordshire & Birmingham Agricultural Society, which organises the event.
In order to be granted this exemption cattle from the low risk area will not remain on the showground for more than 48 hours and will be segregated from cattle from high risk area.
New legislation, enforced from April 2016, require farmers in the Low Risk Area of England to arrange for post-movement testing of cattle coming from the rest of England and from Wales.
With more than half of new bovine TB infections in the Low Risk Area linked to cattle purchased from higher risk areas, introduction of compulsory post-movement testing will provide greater confidence that the Low Risk Area can become and remain officially TB-free.
Commenting on the new measures Farming Minister George Eustice said: "We are presiding over a huge collective effort to eradicate bovine TB in England.
"Our comprehensive strategy is clear: the disease can only be defeated by taking coordinated action on cattle movements, cattle testing and badger control.
"The cattle measures introduced in April helps protect against cattle-to-cattle transmission and bring the Low Risk Area closer to achieving TB freedom."
The introduction of new measures takes place as the Government eradication strategy enters its third year of full implementation.
This includes tighter cattle measures, improved biosecurity and badger control in areas where the disease is rife.
