Sint-Lievens-Houtem (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Sint-Lievens-Houtem annual fair cattle market is cancelled due to cow flu, says Mayor Tim De Knyf. Focus will shift to horses, while other fair activities continue.
As VRT News reported, the cattle market at this year’s Sint-Lievens-Houtem, in the province of East Flanders, Belgium, annual fair has been cancelled. Mayor Tim De Knyf (Nieuw Houtem) said the Flemish Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (FAVV) issued a ban on livestock trading due to the spread of cow flu.
The notice came just one day before the announcement. Last year, the market continued with safety measures, but this year, the authorities said the situation is too serious. Mayor De Knyf said the decision was necessary to protect both animals and farmers.
What led to the cancellation of the cattle market at the Sint-Lievens-Houtem fair?
With the cattle market cancelled this year, the municipal council and fair organisers are turning their attention to horses. Mayor De Knyf said all focus will now be on equine activities. There will be a separate inspection for the horses, and special horse show events are being planned. He mentioned that while the change will create a different experience for visitors, organisers hope it will keep the fair lively and maintain interest in this historic event.
The Sint-Lievens-Houtem annual fair is a tradition that has existed for at least 700 years. The event is known for its historic cattle market, where animals are traded traditionally. Mayor Tim De Knyf (Nieuw Houtem) said that at the market, no money or payment terminals are used, and agreements are made simply by clapping hands, just like in the old days.
The fair’s cultural importance was recognised in 2010 when it was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Over the years, the fair has faced challenges. In 2024, restrictions were put in place due to cow flu, affecting livestock trading.
