Importing Cattle into the Isle of Man
Bluetongue Update 8 April 2026
The suspension of the importation of cattle from Northern Ireland has been removed, therefore imports of cattle are now allowed from Northern Ireland.
Imports from Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) remain suspended due to outbreaks of BTV-8 and BTV -12 in Great Britain.
An import license is required and you must apply to the department.
Due to BTV-3 outbreaks in Northern Ireland there are additional health conditions included on the export health certificate to reduce the risk of further incursions of BTV-3 or introducing new strains of BTV to the Isle of Man.
There is now a requirement that any cattle imported must be vaccinated against Blue tongue-3 virus in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, the course of vaccinations must be completed no later than 21 days prior to the date of export AND all animals for export to the IOM must have been tested for Bluetongue, using RT- PCR testing at an approved laboratory within 10 days of the export with negative results.
Please be aware that import licences can be suspended at any time in response to disease outbreaks and the current situation is being monitored closely by DEFA.
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 from 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 from NI
| Conditions | Cattle - all ages |
|---|---|
| Isolation on NI holding before import | 20 days |
| NI EHC | 0024 (NI) and 0025SUP |
| Vet examination in NI | <24 hours before export |
| IOM Import Licence valid for | 21 days |
| Notify DEFA of import | 72 hrs before import |
| NI Herd Health Status | must be from a TB free herd |
| Pre-import tests | TB within 30 days of export
BTV negative (PCR) within 10 days of export Individual BVD virus antigen or genomenegative result |
| Pre-import vaccinations | Completed course of BTV-3 vaccination at least 21 days prior to export |
| 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 the ibTB - Mapping bovine TB (bTB) in Englad and Wales. 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. The ibTB is a free-to-access interactive online mapping tool.
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
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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
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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
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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
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture is committed to ensuring that its services are accessible to all. If you require these documents in an alternative format and / or language please contact us to discuss your needs.
