Isle of Man TT Spectators Advised on Food Waste Disposal Amid Disease Concerns

Spectators attending the Isle of Man TT this week are being reminded of the importance of responsible food waste disposal due to ongoing foot and mouth disease outbreaks in parts of Europe. The government of the Isle of Man has issued a warning, urging fans to ensure that all food waste, particularly dairy and meat products, is properly discarded in bins away from the race course and any nearby livestock.

Chief veterinary officer, Dr. Amy Beckett, highlighted that while there are currently no cases of foot and mouth disease in the British Isles, the threat to the farming industry remains significant. She stated, “Please do your part by disposing of food waste carefully.”

Since April 2025, it has been illegal to bring meat, other than poultry, or dairy products from Europe into Great Britain and the Isle of Man, including items such as airport sandwiches and duty-free purchases. This measure aims to prevent the introduction of the disease into the region.

Despite the absence of cases in the UK and Isle of Man, recent outbreaks have been confirmed in Greece (March 2026), Cyprus (February 2026), Slovakia (March 2025), Hungary (March 2025), and Germany (January 2025). The last known outbreak in the UK occurred in 2007. The disease remains a concern, with cases in Cyprus and Greece still ongoing as authorities attempt to control the spread.

Currently, there are restrictions on importing animal products from the EU single market area, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Switzerland into Great Britain and the Isle of Man. These restrictions apply to personal imports, whether unpackaged or commercially produced and packaged, to prevent the potential spread of foot and mouth disease.