Live cattle export ban expected to have minimal effect on Western Australia

18/7/02
The Federal Government's ban on colder climate live cattle exports from Southern Australia to the Arabian Gulf is expected to have minimal effect on Western Australia in the short-term.
Agriculture Minister Kim Chance said the ban for the remainder of the Northern Hemisphere summer would only restrict WA exports by $390,000, or 650 head, which could be processed in WA abattoirs rather than being exported live via the Gulf.
Federal Agriculture Minister Warren Truss this week halted shipments to the Arabian Gulf of bos taurus cattle sourced from areas south of the 26 degrees latitude.
Restrictions were also placed on the numbers of bos indicus cattle (500 head) that can be shipped to the Arabian Gulf in a single shipment.
The ban is for the remainder of the Northern Hemisphere summer and is likely to be reviewed in October.
The order followed the deaths of reportedly up to 900 cattle being exported to Saudi Arabia aboard the MV Becrux a fortnight ago. It is understood that very few animals from WA were affected.
"WA sent 650 cattle to the Arabian Gulf between July and October last year," Mr Chance said.
"The trade was worth about $390,000.
"The priority now is the welfare of our live cattle. The live cattle trade already operates under a strict code of practice, but the recent tragedy has shown flaws in the system.
"I welcome the quick response taken by Government and industry to address these flaws to prevent a repeat of the tragedy.
"This response is vitally important not only for the welfare of our cattle, but for the international reputation Australia has earned for a quality live cattle export industry.
"I am confident current investigations into the cattle deaths will result in new measures to strengthen the code of practice and safeguard the welfare of our animals in the live cattle export trade."
Minister's office: 9213 6700