Council chiefs were today urged to cancel a reptile fair because of health fears.
Animal welfare campaigners believe the fair, planned for Sunday, will put public health in jeopardy because reptiles can spread a form of potentially lethal salmonella.
However, the group organising the event at Basildon Sports Club insists there is no health risk - as long as visitors take basic hygiene precautions.
Campaigning group Animal Aid today warned of the health implications of the fair being staged by Essex Reptiles and Amphibians Society.
The animal welfare group said that as well as being concerned for the comfort and living conditions of the animals while in the Nethermayne centre, it is worried about the bacteria they leave behind.
Nigel Smith, in charge of health and services at Basildon Council, said: "I very much regret the event is going ahead."
Published Wednesday November 6, 2002
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