Organisers of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) Winter Fair have indicated they currently intend to proceed as planned, but without exhibitors from the Republic of Ireland and from within a temporary control zone (TCZ) in Northern Ireland (NI).

That 20km TCZ was established around the Clandeboye Estate farm in Bangor, Co Down, on Saturday 29 November, following initial positive test results for bluetongue virus from two animals originating on the farm.

Farmers within the 20km zone are unable to move their livestock off farm, except to direct slaughter.

ADVERTISEMENT

That requirement rules out a number of herds in the north Down area from attending the event on Thursday 11 December.

Also excluded are exhibitors from the Republic of Ireland as live exports from NI to the EU are currently suspended. Exports for direct slaughter can continue, but the exporter must give 48 hours or notification.

'Strong entry'

RUAS group operations director Rhonda Geary has confirmed that the cattle competition is scheduled to take place on Thursday 11 December and that it will still involve “a strong entry of cattle”.

“We’re in regular contact with officials at the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and will continue to follow their guidance,” she said.

The venue for the Winter Fair - the Eikon Centre at Lisburn - sits a few kilometres outside the current TCZ.