The importation of livestock to the Isle of Man has been banned after cases of bluetongue were confirmed in the UK. The immediate ban covers sheep, cattle and goats, which are all susceptible.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (Defa) said it posed no danger to humans or the food chain. Defa said about 200 sheep and 100 bovine animals were imported to the island each year, predominantly for breeding purposes.
Defa Minister Clare Barber said the department had “moved quickly” to safeguard Manx livestock and “protect the island’s bluetongue disease free status”.