- Commonwealth, WA Government and industry working to ensure biosecurity, traceability and animal welfare of livestock
- Animal health and welfare key priorities
The Western Australian Government is assisting the Commonwealth and industry to ensure traceability and biosecurity integrity, while monitoring the welfare of animals that have disembarked from the live export vessel, MV Bahijah.
The Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has advised several hundred cattle will be unloaded from the ship.
While the risk to Australia’s animal health status is considered low, as the animals have not disembarked during their journey, biosecurity measures have been implemented as a precaution.
The movement of the animals is subject to strict Commonwealthbiosecurity controls and the animals will not re-enter the Australian herd.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) veterinarians and biosecurity officers will work with DAFF at the registered premises where the livestock are relocated.
The Commonwealth is working with the exporter to find a suitable outcome for the animals.
The latest report from WA’s Chief Vet is that the animals are healthy and in good condition.
Comments attributed to Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
“This unprecedented situation has been complex and every effort has been made to thoroughly address the biosecurity risks to Australia’s important livestock industry.
“I would like to thank the WA livestock industry for coming together to support arrangements that facilitate unloading the livestock.
“The WA Government continues to support the Commonwealth to manage biosecurity and monitor the welfare of these animals.”
