News that the Royal Welsh Show has banned some entries of livestock due to fears about bluetongue virus is a devastating blow to the event. It could mean an estimated 40% fewer cattle competing at this year’s show. Entries will not be accepted from exhibitors located within or traveling through a bluetongue restricted zone.
The RWAS has released a statement saying they “recognise the growing concern about the recent outbreak” and said this policy “has been introduced to safeguard the health of livestock exhibited at this year’s Royal Welsh Show.”
James Evans MS raised this in the Senedd last week (03/06/25), asking the Welsh Government for a statement on how they intend to proceed when the current system expires on 1st July. The response was that a ministerial round table met on the 5th June and that we should be getting a statement this week.
James Evans MS said:
“We need clarity from Welsh Government as to their approach on tackling Bluetongue. We should be following the lead of England on this.
“Many farmers in my constituency are cross-border, accessing markets in Hereford, and we need to ensure that farmers are not punished.
“I hope that the much-needed clarity will come before the Royal Welsh Show and that this decision may be reconsidered. This is not the first time the Show has been beset with restrictions due to disease, and I am sure the show will go on!”
