Shows hit by DEFRA rules (From Gazette & Herald)

Shows hit by DEFRA rules

MANY of the local agricultural shows will have no livestock sections this summer because of biosecurity rules set out by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Officials of the shows fear they will not be able to implement the strict disinfecting and cleansing regulations put in place to prevent another outbreak of foot and mouth which forced shows to close last year.

Malton Show, which is to be held at Scampston Park on June 27, will not have sheep, cattle or goat classes but there will be extra competitions in the horse and pony classes.

Secretary Jennifer Bird said there will be five additional classes in the light horse section and one for heavy horses. She explained that the show committee had had to make a decision early on the livestock issue because of the need to publish show schedules.

The show has now become affiliated to Ponies UK, the national organisation for ponies, and as a result competitors will be able to qualify for championship events run in other parts of the country.

This year's show will see an increase in the number of stands - 150 compared with 140 two years ago and there will also be new attractions, including dog agility classes and a vintage car exhibition.

Joyce Harrison, from Egton Show, said they too had decided not to run livestock classes after consulting local farmers.

She said: "We were in a foot and mouth area last year and we thought the farmers had had enough of rules and regulations. We could not have coped with the washing of the wagons and so on. It's just too much for a little show like us to take on."

And Annie Wilkinson at Rosedale Show agreed that for smaller show the guidelines on cleaning and disinfecting would be too difficult to implement. But she reassured visitors that other events were planned to make up for the lack of sheep, cattle and goats.

Speaking for Ryedale Show, Peter Woodall, confirmed that event will still have a livestock section. But he said that it would be in a separate, contained area. He said: "I think the simple way will be to keep the public away from the stock so they can see them but not touch them."

For shows that will have livestock sections, cleansing and disinfecting areas for visitors will be compulsory.

The rule to clear all areas of animal faeces before the public are allowed back in again could see 'poop-scoop' volunteers diligently clearing the site and covering paths with sawdust or sand to remove the contamination.

A spokeswoman for DEFRA said the regulations were there to protect the farmers. She said: "It's not DEFRA's intention to put barriers in the way. Some of the guidelines have got to be strictly enforced but with others there's a sensible line which could be taken."

Updated: 10:10 Thursday, April 25, 2002