Importing Sheep & Goats into the Isle of Man

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

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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:

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.