It is feared the county’s livestock could have been put at risk of contracting infectious diseases after a controversial hunting hound parade was showcased at a major agricultural show.

On Thursday thousands of people flocked to Weedon Park in Aylesbury for the 151st annual Bucks County Show – one of the largest agricultural events in the country.

However animal welfare charity League Against Cruel Sports has now criticised “callous” show organisers for allowing the Kimblewick Hunt to display at the event – after dozens of hunting hounds were put down following an outbreak of bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) at their kennels in 2016.

Hunting dogs are often fed the carcasses of diseased livestock, according to the charity, prompting fears infections could have been passed on to farm animals in the county.

Director of campaigns at League Against Cruel Sports, Chris Luffingham, said:

“There is a clear link between hunting hounds and the spread of disease across the countryside, which places both animal health and the rural economy at considerable risk.

“The organisers of the Bucks County Show, as an event expected by all to treat animal welfare and biosecurity with the utmost importance, must answer questions as to why they allowed the Kimblewick Hunt – which is at the centre of a high-profile biosecurity scandal – to parade.

“This callousness has placed livestock and the farming community as risk of disease and substantial economic loss.”

The Kimblewick Hunt was thrown into the spotlight in December 2016 after bTB spread through their “dirty, overcrowded and dilapidated” kennels.

However show organisers have insisted they adhere to strict health and safety regulations when planning and selecting what events will be showcased.

Charlotte Patrick from the Bucks County Show said: “The 2018 Bucks County Show was a hugely successful event with visitor numbers in the region of 25,000.

“The show aims to promote all aspects of Agriculture and Rural Life to the public and at all times we adhere to Environmental Health and DEFRA bio-security regulations.”

A spokesman from the Masters of Foxhounds Association said the Kimblewick Hunt “behaved properly and reasonably” at every stage of the bTB outbreak and subsequent investigation.

A statement issued on behalf of the hunt added: “The Animal Plant & Health Agency and Public Health England were immediately informed when the bTB was identified, but no restrictions were imposed.

“Nevertheless, the Kimblewick immediately suspended hunting and imposed strict bio-security measures around the Kennels, and the Masters of Foxhounds Association (MFHA) assembled a panel of vets and scientists, including representatives from APHA, and experts from the Royal Dick Veterinary School, Edinburgh University to advise on the best way to respond to this outbreak. Their advice was closely adhered to throughout.”