Following last year's disappointment, when the presence of cattle was made impossible by measures surrounding IBR (a cattle disease), this marks an important step for preserving the authentic character of the fair. The municipality was unable to obtain a feasible exception from the relevant authorities and the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FAVV) in 2025, despite intensive consultations.
As the IBR disease is not yet fully under control, the minister could not grant permission for all cattle traders to participate again this year. The college of mayor and aldermen, along with the administration, worked with the governor to develop an alternative that would limit contamination risks.
Ultimately, the municipality received permission from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, David Clarinval, and the FAVV, to once again allow cattle from one trader at the fair, within a strict framework and under specific conditions. Veehandel Baele, a long-standing presence at the fair, will be present with his cows on November 11 and 12. This marks the return of a significant element of the centuries-old market tradition, recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.
The alderman for the winter fair expressed his delight: "We are particularly pleased that we can welcome the cows back to our fair. Perhaps not in the same numbers as before, but their presence means a lot for the authentic character of our event. With horses, cows, and this year also small livestock (sheep and goats), poultry, and rodents, we continue to build a fair that respects its traditions while continuing to evolve." He hopes this solution is a step towards preserving the cattle market with the ultimate goal of bringing back the large cattle market that has been held here for centuries.
With the return of the cows, Houtem Fair regains one of its most recognizable and valued elements, ensuring that the unique agricultural tradition that has characterized the fair for generations remains vibrantly present.
