The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture is urgently seeking a new BSE risk status from the World Organisation for Animal Health.
This comes after a change in the UK’s status created unexpected export complications.
Minister Clare Barber told Keys that her department is preparing an application for ‘negligible risk’ status, aligning with the UK.
However, the island missed the September 2025 deadline for the next WOAH meeting in May 2026, potentially pushing the process to May 2027.
One farmer who spoke to Manx.News said the issue arose on island because “there’s been someone asleep at the wheel”.
Vet
The minister said issue came to light in early November 2025 when the Chief Veterinary Officer was alerted by UK meat industry contacts.
Though this timeline has been disputed by the island’s farming sector.
While live exports to Great Britain continue, a new requirement means animals born on the Isle of Man must have specified risk material, like spinal cord, removed at UK abattoirs—a step not required for UK-born cattle.
This adds cost and processing time, leading some abattoirs to reject Manx stock.
Abattoirs
Mrs Barber told members: “We know that some abattoirs in the UK may opt not to process Isle of Man animals. We also know that there are some that will likely continue to process them, but there will be an additional charge levied.”
She acknowledged the wider consequences, noting the change also affects breeding exports and may increase pressure on the island’s own meat plant.
The department is assessing potential support for farmers facing higher costs and longer holding periods.
In response to questions from MHKs Chris Thomas and Julie Edge, Mrs Barber defended the timeline, stating officials were informed in March 2025 of a UK application made in August 2024, but no operational changes were expected based on past precedent.
“We are absolutely committed to looking at an interim solution that makes sure that no one is disadvantaged by the circumstance that we find ourselves in,” she said.