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The Queen’s animals were absent from this year’s Highland Games, and the reason for this was because the Queen was afraid her herd may have contracted infectious diseases.
The stockman, who is in charge of the Royal herd, said Her Majesty’s cows have been kept away from the shows over health fears.
He said she feels the risk of her herd coming into contact with other livestock is too great this year.
The Queen founded the Balmoral fold of Highland cattle in 1953.
The fold is considered one of the UK’s top Highland breeders.
It has more than 50 animals on the estate.
The stockman, Dochy Ormiston, said: “We have not entered any shows this year.
“We are a closed herd and we are very frightened over its health status.”
Queen Elizabeth II, who is the patron of the Highland Cattle Society (HCS), has been a regular prize winner with her beloved cattle.
Former HCS president Angus MacKay said it was “a bit sad” Her Majesty’s cattle were missing from this year’s show.
He told The Telegraph: “I can understand why.
“She is extremely knowledgeable about the breed and about her own fold and how it developed.
“She would have certainly been involved in the decision not to show them.
He added: ”The way to maintain such a fold like Balmoral is to have a closed herd and if you show your animals they risk being exposed to animals of lesser health quality.”
Mr MacKay, who is an official HCS field officer with nearly 50 years of experience with Highland cattle, continued: “Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis is especially a problem.
“Another problem with maintaining a high health herd is that after each show your animals have to be isolated from the main fold for three weeks, and then re-tested by a vet before being allowed to return to the herd.”
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