Live Cattle Export Markets Re-Opened

AUSTRALIA - Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig today issued revised export control orders that open the way for trade in live feeder cattle with Indonesia.

7 July 2011

2 minute read

Oceania

“These new orders allow the export of live cattle only where animals can be managed through supply chains that meet international standards.

“These strict new conditions have been written into all export permits,” Minister Ludwig said.

“They require exporters to trace cattle from properties, onto vessels, into feedlots and into abattoirs that meet agreed international standards.

“Permits will only be issued to those exporters who can demonstrate that this will be the case.”

Minister Ludwig said the appropriate standards to apply to the trade were those contained in the World Animal Health guidelines (OIE).

“Exporters will have to collect and make public data on the consignments they take to market, including where animals are fattened, how they are transported and where they are slaughtered.

“Supply chains will be verified by commercial independent auditors with the entire process to be independently audited on a regular basis. These audit reports will be made public.

“The Government understands that producers and other businesses participating in the industry have been doing it tough.

“These reforms will provide the industry with a sustainable long term future.

“We will continue to work closely with industry to ensure the welfare of Australian cattle remains at the heart of this trade – a trade that has a strong future.”