Sheepdog trials cancelled due to bluetongue virus

The organisers of historic sheepdog trials have cancelled their upcoming event due to an outbreak of bluetongue virus.

Dovedale Sheepdog Trials - which organisers say began in 1891 - draws more than 2,000 spectators to Derbyshire each year and had 80 participants prepared to participate on Tuesday and Wednesday.

But due to the outbreak of the virus - an insect-borne viral disease affecting sheep and cattle among other animals - organisers said they wanted to be supportive of local farmers and the wider community "in respect of the spread of this devastating virus".

Committee treasurer Graham Nottage said it was disappointing for everyone involved but it was the "right thing to do".

Apart from the Covid-19 pandemic, Nottage said he believed the trials had only been cancelled once in its history, which occurred in 2001 during the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.

The event itself has entrants from across the country, and also hosts a novice nursery trial within a 20-mile radius of the event, which is situated near Ashbourne.

Participants compete by showing off traditional sheepdog skills, with the organisers describing the event as "the ultimate test of the ability of the shepherd and his dog to work together".

Bluetongue is spread primarily by biting midges, which thrive in long, hot summers like the one the UK is experiencing.

The latest government data, released on Thursday, said cases had risen to 395 across the UK, 382 of which were recorded in England.

However, there could be hundreds more undiagnosed infected livestock as 1,657 potential cases are currently under investigation, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

It does not affect humans, but it is potentially fatal for livestock, and symptoms in animals include fever, facial swelling and lameness. There is no direct medical cure but treatment focuses on easing pain and nursing sick stock.

"We had to call the trials off due to our continued concern on the outbreak of the bluetongue virus around the Ashbourne, Dovedale areas and the Peak District," Nottage said.

"It's disappointing for ourselves, disappointment for the supporting community and also for the 80 entrants who were bringing their wonderful sheepdogs to compete."

The organisers said they had offered refunds for entrants and the option to roll over the fee for the next event they hosted. Fees were up to £10 per dog entered.

The committee added it planned to run a winter trial later this year.

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