Two of Crufts’ main sponsors, Royal Canin and James Wellbeloved, have told staff to stay away from the world’s biggest dog show which started today amid fears of coronavirus.

According to a report on the BBC News website the brands’ parent company Mars Petcare said its representatives should stay away from major events unless it was business-critical.

A spokesperson for Mars Petcare is reported as stating the company had a "responsibility" to protect the health of its staff and prevent the spread of the virus. 

As a result, the company had "decided to restrict international travel and not participate in large events through March 31 unless it is business critical."

The firm said it remained committed to Crufts, and hoped to be participating as usual in the future.

Meanwhile, the Association of Pet Dog Trainers said they had decided not to attend "given the unprecedented and unpredictable situation."

Crufts opened as usual today with the Kennel Club stating: “Following the outbreak of novel Coronavirus in China, the Kennel Club and the NEC will be taking enhanced measures to help protect our visitors, exhibitors, clients and staff at Crufts 2020.”