Crufts postponed by the foot-and-mouth outbreak

Crufts, the world's most famous dog show, has been postponed because of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, the Kennel Club has announced.

The show had been due to take place at the National Exhibition Centre this month. It is now expected to be held in May, if the outbreak is under control by then.

Why the show was called off

Foot-and-mouth disease affects cattle, sheep, pigs and other animals with cloven hooves. It does not affect dogs, but the virus can be carried on shoes, clothing, vehicles and animals, and spreads very easily.

Crufts attracts tens of thousands of visitors and thousands of dogs from all over Britain and abroad, many of them from rural areas. Organisers feared that bringing so many people together could help the disease to spread.

It is a decision nobody wanted to take, but in the face of a national emergency the organisers felt they had little choice.

A national crisis

The outbreak was confirmed last month, when the disease was found in pigs at an abattoir in Essex. It has since spread rapidly across the country, with cases confirmed in many counties.

The government has imposed strict controls on the movement of animals, and many footpaths, parks and countryside attractions have been closed. Tens of thousands of animals have already been slaughtered to stop the spread.

Other major events have also been affected. The Cheltenham Festival, the biggest meeting of the jumps racing season, has been postponed, and rugby's Six Nations Championship has seen matches called off.

A blow to the NEC

The postponement is a blow to the NEC and to businesses in the area, including hotels, restaurants and taxi firms, which rely on the thousands of visitors that Crufts brings each year.

Crufts has been held at the NEC since 1991, when it moved from London. It is one of the venue's biggest annual events, and brings millions of pounds into the local economy.

Exhibitors disappointed

Many dog owners spend months preparing for the show, and some travel from overseas to compete. The postponement will be a disappointment to them, although most will understand the reasons.

Exhibitors and ticket holders are waiting to hear the details of the new arrangements.

A long history

Crufts was founded by Charles Cruft, who held his first show in London in 1891. It has grown into one of the largest dog shows in the world, and the Best in Show final is watched by millions on television.

The show has only been cancelled a handful of times in its history, mainly during the two world wars.

Organisers are hoping that the outbreak will be brought under control in time for the show to go ahead in the spring, but say they will keep the situation under review.