29 June 2009
media statement
29 June 2009
Over 99% of all Australian livestock exported in 2008 arrived fit and healthy: REPORT
LiveCorp and Meat & Livestock Australia have released the 2008 national livestock export industry shipboard performance report, confirming that over 99% of all livestock exported in 2008 arrived fit and healthy at their destination.
The report summarises the performance of the livestock export industry in terms of mortality levels of sheep, cattle and goats exported by sea from Australia during 2008, and provides a breakdown by species and major destinations.
“Our industry is committed to transparency – we want the people of Australia to see how we’re doing in terms of animal welfare and the good outcomes we’re continuing to deliver for Australian livestock,” said LiveCorp CEO Cameron Hall.
“We’re investing in ongoing improvements in Australia, onboard vessels and in overseas marketplaces and we’re really making a difference.
“Australian stockmen on board all voyages, with accredited Australian vets on all vessels to the Middle East, monitor and care for the livestock along with a crew who also ensures all animals are well fed, watered and in good condition.
“The pens the animals travel in provide enough room for all livestock to move around, lie down and access the constantly available food and water. Any animal that is sick or injured is placed into a hospital pen and given extra care.
“Animal welfare is a priority for our industry – and we are renowned as being the best in the world at what we do. That’s something to be proud of.”
Key outcomes:
The overall mortality rate for sheep during sea transport to all destinations during 2008 was 0.84% out of approximately 4.2 million sheep exported (99.16% success rate). This was an improvement on the 0.97% mortality rate observed in 2007.
The overall mortality rate among the 0.86 million cattle exported from Australia in 2008 was 0.12% (99.88% success rate). This was slightly higher than the 0.10% mortality rate observed in 2007. The overall mortality rate on voyages to the Middle East/North Africa was 0.29% in 2008, a rise from 0.19% in 2007.
The overall mortality rate among the 3,118 goats exported by sea from Australia in 2008 was 0.51% (99.49% success rate), which was an improvement on the 0.69% observed in 2007. All goats exported by sea during 2008 went to South-East Asia.
For interviews contact: Yvette Farrell, MLA/LiveCorp 02 9463 9388 or 0416 189 775
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The report was conducted by RT Norris and GJ Norman and funded by Meat & Livestock Australia, LiveCorp and the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia.
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