Importing Pigs into the Isle of Man

If you plan to import pigs 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 pigs travelling from the United Kingdom. Please ensure you allow at least 10 days to obtain an Import Licence prior to the date of import.

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.

Disease risk

The importation of pigs is the most significant disease risk to the Island's national herd and flock from the importation of livestock.

Summary of Pig Import Conditions

Conditions	Breeding Pigs (neutered or castrates ineligible)
Isolation on UK holding before import	30 days
UK EHC	6964 EHC
Vet examination in UK	<24 hours before export
IOM Licence valid for	21 days
Notify DEFA of import	72 hrs before import
UK Herd Health Status	Must come from a holding of origin/area which is not subject to any prohibition/restriction for reasons of animal disease affecting porcines
Pre-import tests	Imported pigs may be subjected to further detention, examination, test or medication laid by a Government Veterinary Officer
Post-import tests
Transport Authorisation over 40 miles as part of economic activity, <8 hours	Type 1
Post-import isolation	10 days
Whole farm restriction	21 days
Post-import treatment	None

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

Foot and Mouth Disease

Pigs generate truly massive amounts of infectious particles – 1 pig producing as much as an entire herd of cows. The Island follows international measures to mitigate the risk of disease entering local pigs by prohibiting the feeding of waste food to pigs; this practice would be the most serious internal risk to the national herd and flock and the department visits pig holdings annually (at least) to reinforce this message.

Because pigs of all kinds are a similar risk, the department makes no exceptions for 'pet pigs'; indeed, pigs that are kept in smaller numbers as 'pets' are perhaps more likely to be fed scraps – this is both high risk and illegal! All pigs, whatever their breed, size, or number are restricted to their holding and no 'walking licences' or other permit to move pigs off any holding (even on a temporary basis) are issued beyond formal movement licences between farms for bona fide business purposes.

For further information please contact: