Importing Cattle into the Isle of Man

Bluetongue Update 24 January 2024

Imports of Cattle, Sheep and Goats in to the Isle of Man are currently suspended whilst the evolving situation in the UK is assessed.

DEFA are unable, at this stage, to determine when the ban will be lifted, however we are monitoring the UK situation closely for any escalation in the number of positive cases.

If you are planning to import germinal products (e.g. semen, embryos) from susceptible animals, please be aware that the consignment would need to be certified with regard to Bluetongue, and this may be affected by the current situation in the UK.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease and if you suspect it you must tell DEFA immediately.

UK situation

Following routine bluetongue surveillance, a cow tested positive for bluetongue serotype 3 on a premises near Canterbury, Kent on 11 November 2023 and a temporary control zone was put in place. Since November there has been a gradual increase in the reported number of cases identified in UK by the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

The total number of positive results, as of 23 January 2024, stands at 56 in cattle in both Canterbury area of Kent and Norfolk. The Animal and Plant health agency states that there is currently still no evidence that bluetongue virus is currently circulating in midges in Great Britain and that Surveillance is ongoing. They are however, taking a precautionary approach and have introduced Temporary Restriction Zones in the affected areas.

For the latest information please see Bluetongue: how to spot and report the disease.

If you plan to import cattle into the Isle of Man, please ensure you read the appropriate guidance notes which are available to download. An Import Licence is required for all cattle travelling from the United Kingdom. Please ensure you allow at least 10 days to obtain an Import Licence prior to the date of import. An application form to apply for a Manx passport for an imported animal can be downloaded on this page.

Export Health Certification MUST accompany the consigned animals. Transporting and landing animals without the required documentation is an offence and the animals may be returned to the original holding in the UK.

Summary of Cattle Import Conditions:

Conditions	Cattle - all ages
Isolation on UK holding before import	20 days
UK EHC	520 EHC 520 SUP
Vet examination in UK	<24 hours before export
IOM Import Licence valid for	21 days
Notify DEFA of import	72 hrs before import
UK Herd Health Status	must be from a TB free herd
Pre-import tests	TB within 30 days of export *except if resident in Scotland either since birth or for 120 days
Post-import tests	TB skin test & gIFN blood test 60-90 days post-import
Transport Authorisation over 40 miles as part of economic activity, <8 hours	Type 1
Post-import isolation	Initial 10 days; movement restricted to the holding of import until all testing is compete
Whole farm restriction	21 days
Post-import treatment	BVD test + Warble within 10 day isolation period

Please note that these conditions are subject to immediate change / revocation depending on the animal health and disease status of our own and neighbouring jurisdictions.

Please see the Guidance Notes for the full conditions of import.

Please contact us for further information: agriculture@gov.im

TB in England

The UK Animal and Plant Health Agency have now launched a new version of www.ibtb.co.uk. The main enhancement will be the ability of users to display the number of years herds in England have been tuberculosis (TB) free, enabling farmers to make informed decisions about TB risk when purchasing cattle from England. www.ibtb.co.uk is a free-to-access interactive online mapping tool.

Update 29 July 2016: Cattle imports from Scotland

Cattle that have been resident in Scotland since birth, or for at least 120 days prior to departure are exempt from pre-export TB testing.

Update 19 May 2014: Gamma blood testing

With regard to the gamma blood testing of imports: the total number of such tests funded by the department is to be limited to 30 animals per holding/individual. Additionally, the total compensation payments in respect of failures will be limited to one animal only per holding/individual. These parameters will apply in any twelve month period, irrespective of the total number within the entire importation, and whether comprised of single or multiple consignments.

Important reminders

You must inform the department of your intention to import, with the date/time of shipment at least 72 hours in advance. Please note: failure to notify the department at least 72 hours in advance could result in the importer being prosecuted for not meeting the conditions of the Import Licence. Contact number for notification is +44 1624 687595.
Your holding will incur a 21 day movement standstill from the date on which you import. Only movements direct to slaughter on the Isle of Man are exempt.
Your Export Health Certification must not be tampered with or altered.

For the latest information please contact:

Animal Health Team – Regulation Directorate

Thie Slieau Whallian

Foxdale Road

St John's

IM4 3AS

Telephone:+44 1624 685844

Email:Send Email

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