POULTRY classes have been cancelled at this year's Royal Highland Show, with show manager, David Jackson, maintaining that any risk of health issues, however slight, must be taken seriously.

This comes after outbreaks of avian influenza were recorded in England late last year, and after an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone was declared by the Scottish Government, in December, requiring all poultry and captive birds to be kept indoors.

This zone was lifted on April 30, and the associated ban on poultry shows and gatherings expired two weeks later on May 15 – but regardless of this, the Royal Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland said this week that its decision to cancel the poultry classes was based on information from the Animal and Plant Health Agency, as well as discussions within the industry.

Mr Jackson said: "First and foremost, we have a responsibility to protect the health of all animals, and we believe any risk, however slight, has to be taken seriously. This is a priority, not only for animals attending the Royal Highland Show, but also for the wider industry.

"Clearly, this decision has not been taken lightly. We work in the best interests of the industry and feel this is the sensible approach. We trust the industry and exhibitors will fully support our decision based solely on protecting their animals."

However, Hugh Guthrie of Kilmarnock, who has been exhibiting poultry since 1950, felt the RHASS move was not necessary.

"Last year, the Highland Show welcomed 900 entries in the poultry section, which just shows you how popular it is," said Mr Guthrie. "I feel they have taken this decision far too early, and I am just not sure it was needed.

"I am judging the poultry section at Cheshire Show, which is just a few days before the Highland, and that is right where the initial outbreaks of Avian Influenza occurred last year, so it seems odd that poultry will still be shown there, but not at the Highland.

"Overall, I just think it's a shame that this section has been removed – it's such a popular part of the show, and children love it because they don't always get the opportunity to see poultry anywhere else," he said. "Last year, I couldn't even get into the marquee to see my poultry, because it was so busy!"

Mr Guthrie noted that the Highland poultry classes had been cancelled before, and at that time, it had indeed been a one-off: "I am hoping that this is the case this year, but there is no knowing what will happen next year, or how many entries there will be," he commented.

Sharing his disappointment was Mary Leggate, of Stramolloch Farm, Chapelton, Strathaven: "It's a shame to see it go as it's such a popular part of the show. But I understand why the show has cancelled the poultry, as they didn't really have a lot of time between last week and the show to get it organised, but I do hope to see it back next year!"

As The Scottish Farmer went to press, it was announced that the poultry and waterfowl showing classes at the Royal Bath and West Show have also been cancelled over avian flu concerns.