The Isle of Man Government has amended rules on the importation of horses to the island.

The changes will mean:

Horses fully vaccinated against equine influenza do not need to be isolated on arrival.

Horses which are not fully vaccinated still need to be isolated for 14 days on arrival.

In 2019, restrictions were introduced after an outbreak of the virus in the UK, but the number of cases has reduced significantly since then and no cases have been recorded in the Isle of Man.

The virus is not markedly different from human flu and infected horses suffer with coughing and runny noses and generally feel run-down.

While it is rarely life-threatening, it is highly contagious.

Anyone with a query regarding their animal’s vaccination status should contact their vet.