​The report was published in 1999 following the rapid expansion of the trade of live cattle to the Middle East since 1995 and the lack of no scientific investigation into the causes of ill health or mortality or of the predisposing factors.

The report describes an investigation into the health and welfare aspects of cattle during sea transport from Australia and identifies factors that contribute to illness and death of cattle and makes recommendations to reduce illness and death as well as develops a post-mortem protocol for voyages.

The study identified bacterial infections, lower leg injuries and heat stress/ventilation as major causes of cattle morbidity and mortality during transportation.