Importing Sheep & Goats into the Isle of Man
Bluetongue Update 27 November 2023
Imports of Cattle, Sheep and Goats in to the Isle of Man are currently suspended whilst the situation in the UK is assessed.
Negotiations in to future import requirements are ongoing to enable Imports and protect the current Cattle, Sheep and Goat population of the Isle of Man.
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease and if you suspect it you must tell DEFA immediately.
UK Latest Update 26 November
Following active surveillance within the 10km temporary control zone (TCZ) a further 4 cases in cattle of bluetongue serotype 3 have been identified on 2 additional premises, all within the 10km TCZ and within 5km of the first finding near Canterbury, Kent.
All 4 animals will be humanely culled to reduce the risk of onward transmission.
There is no evidence that there is circulating virus in the midge population. The 10km TCZ remains in place and surveillance is ongoing.
Further information please see Bluetongue: how to spot and report the disease.
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.
Summary of Sheep & Goat Import Conditions from Great Britain
| Conditions | Sheep & Goats <9 months | Sheep & Goats >9 months | Rams of 6 specified breeds | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isolation on UK holding before import | 20 days | 20 days | 20 days | |||
| UK EHC | 3486 EHC 3486 SUP if from MV-accredited flock 1139 EHC 1139 SUP N. Ireland: GB10 (IOM) | 1139 EHC 1139 SUP N. Ireland: GB10 (IOM) | 1137 EHC 1137 SUP | |||
| Vet examination in UK | <24 hours before export | <24 hours before export | <24 hours before export | |||
| IOM Licence valid for | 21 days | 21 days | 21 days | |||
| Notify DEFA of import | 72 hrs before import | 72 hrs before import | 72 hrs before import | |||
| UK Herd Health Status | MV/CAE accredited | Non MV/CAE | MV/CAE accredited | Non MV/CAE (a) | Non-MV/CAE (b) | All Non-MV |
| Pre-import tests | 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 | None |
| Post-import tests | None | isolation until clear blood tests at the age of 9 and 15 months. | None | None | isolation until clear blood test 6-8 months after import | clear blood test 20 days after import, then a further clear blood test 6 months after the first test |
| Transport Authorisation over 40 miles as part of economic activity, <8 hours | Type 1 | 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 | 30 days |
| Whole farm restriction | 21 days | 21 days | 21 days | |||
| Post-import treatment | Sheep scab within 10 day isolation period | Sheep scab within 10 day isolation period | Sheep scab 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
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 (details below) who will be able to advise on what health certification and import permits are required.
Sheep pox and goat pox in Bulgaria, Greece and Spain
Imports of the following ovine and caprine commodities from Bulgaria, Greece and Spain have been temporarily suspended following an outbreaks of sheep pox and goat pox in Spain, Greece and Bulgaria:
- live animals
- germplasm
- fresh or chilled skins and hides
Read the ‘live ungulates’, ‘ovine and caprine ova and embryos’ and ‘ovine and caprine semen’ lists of Britain and the Isle of Man.
For restrictions on fresh or chilled skins and hides, a safeguard declarations has been put in place preventing the import to the Isle of Man and for Greece. England, Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands have put similar safeguard declarations in place.
Please contact DEFA Agriculture for further information:
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.
