Okehampton Show is promising plenty of rural entertainment today (August 13), despite the bluetongue outbreak forcing the cancellation of some livestock classes.

Cattle, sheep, dairy goat and pygmy goat classes have had to be cancelled, as bluetongue is a virus which affects ruminant animals.

Classes for pigs, poultry and horses are unaffected – and show manager Selina Barrow is urging the public to come along and show support.

Devon has born the brunt of the current bluetongue outbreak, since July 10, with the county recording 173 cases as of August 9, out of a total of 289 in England, Scotland and Wales.

Selina said: “After detailed discussion with our veterinary team, we have agreed that we cannot proceed with cattle, sheep, dairy goat and pygmy goat classes at this year’s Okehampton Show. This decision has been made with consideration for the health and welfare of livestock.

“We know how challenging this time is for many farmers, including some of our own committee. Please continue to support one another, you are not alone in facing this. We warmly invite visitors to continue to join us at the show, see our pigs, poultry and horses and show our local farming community some support.

“We have hundreds of stands with everything from ladies’ hats to fine glass craft and country kitchens. The Devon Food Hall is stuffed with the South West's finest selection of food and drinks makers, it’s not to be missed. We still look forward to sharing a fantastic show with you, as many farmers are facing a difficult and uncertain time.”

Bluetongue is a virus which affects ruminants, such as cattle, sheep, goats and deer, and camelids, such as alpacas and llamas. It is spread by biting midges. It does not affect people or food safety. Meat and milk are still safe to eat and drink.

In animals, bluetongue ‘can cause fever, crusting and ulcers around muzzle area, swollen head, salivating and lameness’ and severe cases can, sadly, lead to death. These kinds of challenges make it even more important to support the local agricultural sector.

County councillor Louise Wainwright, who is the vice chair of Devon County Council’s farms estate committee, said at a recent council meeting that the upsurge in bluetongue was “causing deep distress to those farmers involved”.

“They are witnessing the painful demise of infected animals that they have raised on their farms,” she said. “The financial losses will pose additional burdens on farmers already struggling with the heatwaves which are impacting on fodder availability and prices.

“Warm weather has accelerated the proliferation of the virus within the midge vector. A warmer autumn period could extend the egg laying season for midges. The upsurge is being closely monitored.”

Okehampton Show is at Stoney Park Showground (EX20 1SW) near Okehampton from 9am to 5pm today, Thursday, August 13. Under 16 are free with a paying adult, dogs on a lead are welcome. There are plenty of parking.