The event organisers said they had ‘no option' but to cancel the event, and added the risk of holding the event was ‘too great'.
READ NOW: Bluetongue updates: British farmers in 20 counties now face life in a bluetongue restriction zone
Richard Williams, chief executive of the Staffordshire and Birmingham Agricultural Society, said: "The restriction zone is currently some 10 miles from the Staffordshire County border and 30 miles from the showground. Given the fact the disease is continuing to spread as a result of the unseasonable mild weather, the risk of the restriction zone extending to encompass the showground is too great."
Restriction zone
Mr Williams added they had taken the difficult decision to cancel the event due to concerns the showground could be incorporated into the restriction zone during the event, meaning livestock would have to remain on site until testing and licencing procedures were completed.
He said: "Our main concern is that we would not in any way expose our exhibitor's livestock to the risk of disease which we believe would be the case if the event were to go ahead."
READ NOW: Bluetongue vaccine licence available in England
The event, which also includes the National Pedigree Calf Show, is usually the first major winter fair of the year, and attracts livestock exhibitors from all corners of the UK.
Exhibitors are being offered a full refund and should receive this within 14 days.
Podcast
Earlier this year, Dairy Farmer editor Katie Jones spoke with Mel McPherson, of Avon Farm Vets in Wiltshire, about a potential rise in cases of Schmallenberg.
And similarly with bluetongue, there could potentially be a spike in cases if biting midge activity increases due to warmer weather.
