Import regulations for sheep and goats

Sheep and goats can be imported into Jersey from the UK, Isle of Man or Guernsey. You must have a licence issued by the Department of the Environment. An Export Health Certificate will be required.
Importation is subject to a strict set of criteria designed to stop certain animal diseases entering the Island and can take several months to complete.

Import requirements for sheep or goats

You must contact the States Veterinary Officer (SVO) to arrange a suitable time to certify the isolation premises of destination.
If the inspection proves adequate, the SVO will issue you with a Quarantine Premises Approval Certificate.
The approval certificate should be sent to the exporter.
An Official Veterinarian (OV) in the UK, Isle of Man or Guernsey must inspect the animal(s) and carry out any required tests.
The exporter must apply to the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) UK, for an Export of Sheep & Goats for Breeding to Channel Islands Health Certificate (7783EHC), enclosing the completed Quarantine Premises Approval Certificate.
Exporters must comply with the UK welfare laws relating to the export of animals. Welfare conditions during transport are laid down by Council Regulation (EC) 1/2005. The transporter should contact their own authorities to find out the requirements.
The owner / exporter must notify in writing the Department of the Environment, by completing the notification form 24 hours prior to shipment, of the expected date and time of arrival in Jersey. The vessel and vehicle registration number is also required at this time.
The Health Certificate and schedule (7783EHC), giving details of the following, must be completed and signed by an Official Veterinarian appointed by APHA:

the individual ear numbers, breed, sex and age of the animal(s)
the registration number of the vehicle in which the animal(s) are being transported to Jersey

The original Health Certificate, Quarantine Premises Approval Certificate and the Import Licence must accompany the animal(s) and be available for inspection upon request.
The owner / importer must confirm to the SVO the animal(s) arrival at the approved premises of destination. The SVO will arrange a time to inspect the animals on the approved premises.

For more information refer to the conditions to import sheep and goats document.

Application for an official import licence for sheep and goats

You are advised to get a copy of a specimen health certificate (7783EHC) and guidance (7783NFG) by contacting the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) on 03000 200 301, by email or by following the links on the GOV.UK website.

Email general enquiries APHA

GOV.UK website

Once the sheep or goats have arrived

The animals will have to go into isolation on arrival and be tested for a number of diseases.

You must make sure:

you have a prepared field approved by the SVO in which the sheep or goats can be isolated for a period between 1 and 6 months
have suitable handling facilities so that sheep can be hands on examined and assistance available for disease testing

Isolation premises

The premises will have to be approved by the SVO prior to the importation taking place. The following criteria will be used by the SVO when considering if the premises are suitable for purpose.

The premises / field used for isolating imported farm livestock must:

be of an adequate size and design for the type and number of animals being imported
be able to meet the animal welfare needs of the imported animals as stated in the Jersey Code of Recommendations for the Welfare of Sheep or Goats
be located a sufficient distance away from other farm animals
be located (if possible) away from roads, tracks, footpaths and bridle ways
be capable of having access restricted to essential people only
be constructed or fenced to ensure the animals cannot escape or stray

Biosecurity measures

Strict biosecurity measures must be put in place at the entrance of the premises / field to enable all clothing, vehicles and equipment used in the management of the animals to be thoroughly disinfected. It is recommended that a separate set of clothing and equipment is maintained at the isolation premises especially if owners / keepers will be in contact with other farm animals.

If possible, adequate supplies of feedstuffs should be placed at the isolation premises to cover the needs of the animals for the entire isolation period.

Example of isolation premises approval certificate for sheep and goats

Moving sheep or goats from isolation premises

The animals cannot be moved from the isolation premises until the required tests have been done and satisfactory results received. The SVO will confirm the release from isolation in writing. If, for any reason, the sheep or goats have to be moved prior to the end of the isolation period the SVO must approve the new premises before the animals can be moved.