Changes to rules on horse importation

Vaccinated horses no longer need quarantine

Horses fully vaccinated against equine influenza don't need to be isolated on arrival to the Island, government has announced.

It's amended the rules on importation of the animals, with horses which are not fully vaccinated still requiring isolation for a fortnight.

Restrictions were introduced last year after an outbreak of equine influenza in the UK, but it's thought no cases have been recorded in the Isle of Man, and numbers have 'reduced significantly' across.

While it's rarely life-threatening, it's highly contagious, and horse owners are encouraged to contact their vet with any queries about vaccination status.