The department is working closely with the exporter, the live export industry, and state and federal government agencies to ensure the return to Australia of the MV Bahijah vessel is managed with the highest standards of biosecurity and animal welfare maintained.
The exporter’s registered veterinarian on board the vessel is recording details of the health and welfare of the livestock each day and this information is being provided to the department.
All reports to date indicate that there are no signs of any significant health or welfare concerns with the livestock on board.
The department is currently assessing the feasibility of an additional independent veterinarian attending the vessel to provide further assurance.
This morning, the exporter provided supporting information to the department to support their application to unload some animals in Australia prior to re-exporting the remaining animals on board the vessel.
The department is assessing this application as a priority, including working closely with our trading partners to ensure any decision to re-export the animals would be supported by the intended market.
These are high quality Australian animals; however, they would be subject to strict biosecurity controls while in Australia.
Ultimately, all plans are commercial decisions for the exporter that must be assessed by the department as the regulator.
These are complex decisions that must balance Australian biosecurity, export legislation, animal welfare considerations and the requirements of our international trading partners.
