Statement from Lyndon Edwards, RABDF Council chairman

“It is with great regret that I have to announce the cancellation of the Dairy Event due to take place at Stoneleigh Park Coventry on Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 September.

“The Council Members of RABDF, organisers of the event, have taken specialist veterinary and professional advice and concluded that following the resurgence of the Foot and Mouth outbreak, it would be seriously unwise and irresponsible to hold a meeting of 10,000 farmers in one place, particularly as they will have travelled from all parts of the UK.

“We are still unsure that the virus has not spread outside the Surrey surveillance zone and a decision had to be made today as contractors and stand holders were planning to build the event over the weekend.”