Isle of Man bans some EU imports to prevent ‘goat plague’
The Isle of Man has implemented a ban on importing certain sheep and goat products from the European Union to prevent the spread of the highly contagious infection known as “goat plague” or peste des petits ruminants (PPR).
The strict controls, which include postal imports of meat, cheese, and milk, aim to protect Manx animals from the virus that has killed hundreds of sheep and goats in mainland Europe in recent months. The virus does not affect humans.
The government’s chief veterinary officer, Amy Beckett, stated that an outbreak on the island could be “damaging” for the farming sector. Restrictions are already in place to prevent the importation of live sheep and goats from affected areas. Dr Beckett emphasized that the ban means people should not bring back sheep or goat products to the island from the affected EU countries, currently Romania and Greece. Residents visiting EU countries not affected by PPR must also not carry sheep or goat products back to the Isle of Man “unless commercially produced and packaged to EU standards.”
The measures are designed to prevent an outbreak on the island, which could lead to animal suffering and harm the farming industry. Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Clare Barber added, “The strict measures have been introduced to help limit the spread of the disease and will remain in place until PPR no longer presents a risk to Manx sheep and goat populations.”