With the threat of the epidemic outbreak of foot-and-mouth livestock sickness looming over their disease-free island, members of the Isle of Man’s Parliament will decide the future of the 2001 TT in a vote. Manx politicians are already split on the topic as tourism officials stand toe-to-toe with agriculture representatives over the topic of the 95-year-old road race. Canceling the Isle of Man TT or letting the estimated 40,000 fans come onto the island from the infected mainland could each have a terribly negative impact on the island’s economy.

A car rally, scheduled for May 11-12 and expected to bring in about 1000 visitors, has already been canceled by Manx officials. Motocrosses and other road races in the United Kingdom have already been canceled or postponed. The Isle of Man TT has never been canceled except in time of war.

The Isle of Man Parliament is expected to vote on the race in mid-April.