Importing Sheep & Goats into the Isle of Man
Bluetongue update 8 April 2026
The suspension of the importation of sheep and goats from Northern Ireland has been removed, therefore imports are now allowed. Imports from the UK remain suspended.
There are however, changes to the health requirements for sheep and goats and additional health conditions have been included on the Export health certificate to reflect the ongoing presence of Bluetongue Virus
There is now a requirement that any sheep or goats to be imported must be vaccinated against Blue tongue 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 before export all animals must be tested for BTV (by RT – PCR testing), the test must be done no more than 10 days before the date of export, and the result must be negative
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.
Summary of Northern Ireland Sheep & Goat Import Conditions
| Conditions | Sheep & Goats <9 months | Sheep & Goats >9 months | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isolation on NI holding before import | 20 days | 20 days | |||
| EHC | EHC 0024 (NI) | EHC 0024 (NI) | |||
| Vet examination in NI | <24 hours before export | <24 hours before export | |||
| IOM Licence valid for | 21 days | 21 days | |||
| Notify DEFA of import | 72 hrs before import | 72 hrs before import | |||
| Pre import testing for BTV | Tested for BTV within 10 days of export with a negative result | Tested for BTV within 10 days of export with a negative result | |||
| Pre import vaccination | Vaccination against BTV-3 completed course at least 21 days prior to export | Vaccination against BTV-3 completed course at least 21 days prior to export | |||
| NI Herd Health Status | MV/CAE accredited | Non MV/CAE | MV/CAE accredited | Non MV/CAE (a) | Non-MV/CAE (b) |
| Pre-import tests for MV/ CAE | None | Dams of animals to be imported must have a clear blood test during the 20 day isolation period. There must be no evidence of M/V / CAE on the premises in the past 12 months or since birth | None | 180 days isolation & 2 clear blood tests 6 months apart, 2nd sample to have been taken within 14 days of export | Clear blood test within the 20 day isolation period |
| Transport Authorisation over 40 miles as part of economic activity, <8 hours | Type 1 | Type 1 | |||
| Post-import isolation | 10 days | Until all blood testing is complete | 10 days | 10 days | Until all blood testing is complete |
| Whole farm restriction | 21 days | 21 days | |||
| Post-import treatment | Sheep scab within 10 day isolation period | Sheep scab within 10 day isolation period | |||
Imports from United Kingdom
If you plan to import sheep & Goats into the Isle of Man, please ensure you read the appropriate Guidance Notes which are available to download. Some sheep/rams require the completion of an application form before an Import Licence may be issued, these can also be downloaded. An Import Licence is required for all sheep 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.
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
Imports not from the United Kingdom
Please contact the Animal Health team who will be able to advise on what health certification and import permits are required and if imports are allowed.
Animal Health Team – Regulation Directorate
Thie Slieau Whallian
Foxdale Road
St John's
IM4 3AS
Telephone:+44 1624 685844
Email:Send Email
