A ban on the importation of sheep, cattle and goats to the Isle of Man remains in place amidst new cases of the bluetongue virus 3 in England this week.
The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has confirmed four farm animals have tested positive in Norfolk since Tuesday.
The cases are the first in the UK since March and the transportation of livestock around the affected farms has been halted.
Bluetongue Cases
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease that affects ruminants (such as cattle, sheep, goats and deer) and camelids (such as alpacas and llamas).
The virus is spread by the bites of midges and can cause infertility and breathing problems in animals.
It does not, however, affect people or food safety, so meat and milk are safe to eat and drink.
No Import
Dr Amy Beckett, Chief Veterinary Officer, said: “The disease can prove fatal for infected animals in the most severe cases, continuing to restrict the import of susceptible animals from Great Britain will significantly reduce the risk of an outbreak on the Isle of Man.
“Farmers should continue to monitor their animals frequently for clinical signs, such as lameness, lesions in and around the mouth, and a loss of appetite, and report any concerns to DEFA immediately.”
The import ban also applies to other ruminants and restricts the import of their germinal products, such as semen and embryos, so anyone planning to import a consignment of germinal products must contact DEFA to ensure they comply with the requirements.
Between November 2023, when livestock imports to the Isle of Man were suspended, and March 2024 there were 126 bluetongue cases in England, but the island remains disease free.
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