Farmers on the Isle of Man may face challenges to get their cattle into abattoirs in the UK due to recent Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) changes.
England, Wales, and Scotland have recently been recognised by the EU as having an improved BSE risk status.
The British countries have been updated from Controlled Risk (CR) to Negligible Risk (NR) status.
However, the Isle of Man is not included in this update and is currently considered to have ‘Undetermined’ BSE risk status.
There is no Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy on island, and the Isle of Man hasn’t had a case in the 21st century.
What Happens?
All Manx cattle slaughtered in Britain or on the island must continue to follow full Specific Risk Material (SRM) removal procedures under Controlled/Undetermined Risk rules.
However, British cattle under NR status will have lighter processing requirements, which may create operational differences.
Manx or British cattle slaughtered at the IOM meat plant must continue to follow full SRM removal procedures under Controlled/Undetermined Risk rules.
Meat from the meat plant can continue to be exported to Britain or the EU.
The Issue
This issue lies ahead for those wanting to export their cattle to UK abattoirs.
Whilst UK abattoirs can still accept Isle of Man cattle, they may apply additional charges or choose not to accept them because of the extra processing steps required.
The abattoirs will also need to keep products separate to allow correct certification if products are then directly exported to the EU, which may cause added complications for some meat plants.
Meat from Manx cattle can still be exported to the EU if SRM removal complies with Controlled/Undetermined Risk requirements, however Export Health Certificates (for EU export) will need to clearly state the origin and risk status of the animals.
Impacts on Farmers
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture have admitted there will be an economic detriment to farmers on the island due to the changes.
In an email seen by Manx.News, DEFA explained that “there may be increased costs or reduced access to UK slaughterhouses, which could affect market prices and logistics”.
As well as concerns over cattle that have been previously exported to Britain for further rearing and any reduction in their value and the reputational upset this may cause.
Change Risk Status?
DEFA intends to apply to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) for BSE Negligible Risk status, however this process will take time, likely at least 12 months.
The department is working with UK DEFRA to confirm Isle of Man’s official status and understand the implications.
DEFA says it is talking to British abattoirs about continued acceptance of Isle of Man cattle, as well as considering alternative slaughter or processing arrangements on-island.
A Stand Alone Island
Previously the EU confirmed in legislation that they classed the IOM and the Channel Islands as the same BSE risk category as Britain.
Although, Jersey’s BSE risk status was officially upgraded to negligible in May 2020 by WOAH.
Whilst, Guernsey’s BSE status is aligned with the UK’s, which was officially downgraded to NR by WOAH in May 2025.
Trade Problems
In a statement to Manx.News, the Manx National Farmers Union said: “We know that the CGV is currently working on the application for the Isle of Man to have the same negligible risk status as Great Britain. We do not know how long this will take.
“We have raised the impact that our trade status has on the industry for a number of years with the Minister and Department, and the risks to the industry when trade is restricted or cost of trade is too high.
“With the change in BSE negligible risk status for England, Wales and Scotland, the Isle of Man, as we understand it, will have even more restricted or severely limited trade in the UK, and this will hit Manx farms hard.”
Manx.News has contact DEFA, DEFRA and WOAH for clarification as to why the Isle of Man wasn’t granted NR status.
Manx.News has heard back from WOAH who are working on accommodating our request, yet at time of publishing have had no response from DEFA.
