Management of unfit to load export cattle and sheep

Summary

A small proportion of livestock are identified as being unfit to load onto ships during pre-embarkation inspections. These animals are identified as sick, injured, weak or physiologically unsuited for transport andmust be managed optimally to ensure welfare is not unduly compromised. A manual was produced that will assist in standardising the approaches to treatment and management of 
these animals. 
Content includes: 

• information on the treatment and management of common diseases and conditions that are 

responsible for rejection of sheep and cattle prior to export by sea; 

• criteria for assessment of when and where euthanasia, salvage slaughter, treatment or 

monitoring are necessary; and 

• recommendations for management of rejected animals prior to road transport. 

The information is intended to assist optimal health and welfare outcomes occurring for these 

compromised animals and allow exporters, managers of quarantine premises and veterinarians to 

meet regulatory requirements with more certainty. The A5 size of the manual is intended to increase 

its portability and use as a ready-reference.