Poultry banned from Shropshire County Show over bird flu fears

Gatherings of certain species of bird, including chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese, are currently banned by Defra.

It means there will be no poultry section at the show on May 27.

The rest of the show is unaffected and will feature the usual array of livestock exhibitors, family entertainment, tractor pulling and trade stands at the Greenhous West Mid Showground in Shrewsbury.

Ian Bebbington, director of the West Midlands Agricultural Society charity, which organises the show, said: "We are very sorry that poultry keepers will not be able to bring their birds to the show this year, but we have to abide by the conditions set by Defra.

"We appreciate the situation could change by the date of the show, but we felt it was important to make a decision now to avoid any uncertainty in the coming months.

"We all hope the avian influenza outbreak will have run its course by the time next year's show comes around when we very much look forward to welcoming the poultry section back to Shropshire County Show."

Strict controls are currently in place across the UK following the discovery of avian influenza in December 2016.

There are a number of "higher risk areas" - including two in Shropshire - where poultry keepers have to either keep their birds housed, in permanent or temporary sheds; or allow birds outdoors but only into a fenced run which is fully covered by netting.

Public Health England says the risk to public health is very low and the Food Standards Agency has said there is no food safety risk for UK consumers.

For more information about Shropshire County Show, visit westmidshowground.com or call 01743 289831.