Shipboard mortality and morbidity study –Phase 2

Summary

The live cattle trade from Australia to the Middle East has expanded rapidly since 1995 and this has helped to reduce the impact of the downturn in cattle exports to Asia. For example, live cattle exports to the Middle East increased by about 100% annually between 1995 and 1998. Exports to Egypt were valued at approximately $100 million in 1998/99, up from about $22 million in 1997/98 (ABS). Although cattle death rates during sea transport have generally been low, high mortality incidents on ships have focused attention on the animal welfare aspects of this trade. This attention, together with the lack of scientific information about the live cattle trade, has led to initiatives aimed at improving animal welfare and reducing mortality.