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 | | Tuesday, 14 May, 2002, 15:04 GMT 16:04 UK Sheep banned from Royal Show  Foot-and-mouth disease ended last year's Royal Show Sheep are to be banned from this year's Royal Show because their inclusion may lead to "false alarms" about foot-and-mouth disease according to organisers. The Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE), which runs the event, has also banned goats and alpacas from the show which takes place in July. But the National Farmers' Union (NFU) has said the ban would lead to fears that foot and mouth is still prevalent in Britain. The union wants RASE to re-consider its decision after last year's show was cancelled at the height of the foot-and-mouth outbreak.
"I would urge RASE to re-consider its decision and allow sheep to return to the Royal. "I think it is vitally important that this year's show portrays an industry that is back in business." Symptoms confusing RASE has denied that fears over a return of the disease has led to the decision. Director David Storrar said: "The concern is that the symptoms of foot-and-mouth can easily be confused in sheep and are difficult to differentiate from many other things. "Small lesions in the mouth of sheep can be caused by anything and we are concerned about false alarms, of which there have been many in this country in recent months. "The financial implications to the society of a false alarm would be unacceptable." Cattle, pigs, poultry and horses will still take part in this year's Royal Show. | |
 
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