Organisers of the English Winter Fair say bovine TB restrictions could hit the number of entries to this November’s event.
New rules brought in last year mean animals from the low risk area travelling to a high risk area for gatherings are required to carry out post-show testing and remain on the holding for 60 days.
The English Winter Fair managed to secure a dispensation for the 2016 event by segregating cattle from the high and low risk areas, but no such solution is available this year.
“It is a big blow for us as it will be for other show organisers and what I expect to see is farmers from low risk TB areas having to choose to attend one show this winter rather than competing at a number of events,” said English Winter Fair organiser Richard Williams.
“So far our livestock entries are good but we won’t know the true impact until they close at the end of October.”
The 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 the compulsory post-movement testing is thought to provide greater confidence that the Low Risk Area can become and remain officially TB-free.
New challenge
All livestock shows across the UK are affected by the restrictions which, importantly, don’t impact on those animals going direct to slaughter from the event.
“We will probably see farmers from low risk TB areas who want to take cattle to a number of shows splitting their showing team, sending some animals to one and some to another.
“Or farmers will choose to attend one winter fair with stock which then won’t be able to travel to another.”
It’s a new challenge for the English Winter Fair to deal with, but Mr Williams says the draw of the event will still be strong.
“Our diversity gives us a certain degree of protection, with the National Pedigree Calf Show as well as a fully stocked carcass hall and products competition taking place over the two days.
“We always see good competition among pig and sheep producers, and offer something for the general public with our Christmas Country Fair.”
'Huge collective effort'
Commenting on the TB 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."
