ANTI-HUNT protestors gathered outside Dunster Country Fair to warn event goers of potential health threats.

The annual event, held on Wednesday, July 25, included in its programme a large hound show.

But the League Against Cruel Sports says having the variety in packs of hounds was a 'major biosecurity threat'.

Somerset County Gazette: Anti Hunt Protesters Gather outside The Dunster Country Fair 2018.

Some of the signs displayed at the protest. 

According to the animal welfare charity, hounds used for hunting can carry numerous infectious diseases, which can be spread to livestock, other hounds, and even humans.

The charity says the animals can contract the disease after being fed the carcasses of diseased livestock.

Somerset County Gazette: Anti Hunt Protesters Gather outside The Dunster Country Fair 2018.

One protester with a sign that reads 'National Distrust'. 

Chris Pitt, deputy director of campaigns at the League Against Cruel Sports, said: “Agricultural and country shows are a long-standing tradition and a part of country life, but research shows that they are basically a melting pot of disease which is leading to disaster for farmers and animal welfare.

“You’ve got hunting hounds from different parts of the country all mixing together. If even one of those dogs is carrying disease – which is highly likely – then the risk of it passing it to other dogs or livestock is also high.

"The disease then gets moved around the country and livestock dies, which is both a financial and welfare cost. Local hounds are then fed the carcasses – and the cycle continues.

“Anyone taking livestock to a show must follow basic biosecurity measures to ensure that their animals do not spread, or pick up, disease."

The passionate group of around a dozen held signs around the entrance to the fair in a protest organised by the League and Somerset Wildlife Crime.

Somerset County Gazette: Anti Hunt Protesters Gather outside The Dunster Country Fair 2018.

The protesters outside of the annual fair. 

Mr Pitt added: “Hunting packs are riding roughshod from farm to farm, travelling around the country and even abroad to different events, with no real biosecurity measures in place.

"If my livelihood depended on having healthy livestock, I wouldn’t be letting hunts anywhere near my land."

Organisers of Dunster County Fair have been approached for comment.