The decision was described as having been taken because of the ongoing risk and uncertainty regarding bluetongue in Northern Ireland.

The Royal Ulster Winter Fair has announced that cattle classes have been cancelled over the arrival of bluetongue disease in Northern Ireland.

At the weekend concern was raised at a potential case of the disease in a second herd in Co Down.

The suspect case comes in a herd in Greyabbey, following confirmation of bluetongue cases in a herd close to Bangor.

A second 20 kilometre temporary control zone (TCZ) around the Greyabbey farm was introduced on Saturday.

The animal disease affects livestock including cattle and sheep as well as goats, deer and llamas.

It does not affect humans or food safety and is primarily transmitted through midges, which are mo

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