Over 100 cattle have
died after departing Australia on the Brahman Express. The vessel, built in
2002 and operated by Vroon, was destined for Indonesia.
This is one of the
highest mortality rates reported on an Australian short haul cattle shipment,
states Vets Against Live Export in a blog…
In the pre-export
inspections the Australian Department of Agriculture (DAFF) stated: “There is
no suggestion that exotic animal disease is involved. We are investigating the
incident as per normal procedures and as a matter of priority. Australia
remains free of exotic animal diseases such as lumpy skin disease and foot and
mouth disease.”
The reference to these
diseases comes after Indonesia detected lumpy skin disease in Australian cattle
exported by sea last year. Indonesia subsequently suspended cattle imports from
four Australian pre-export quarantine facilities. Investigators in Australia failed to find any evidence of the disease
there, although the disease is present in Indonesia.
The Australian Livestock
Exporters Council (ALEC) has issued a statement on the Brahman Express deaths
saying that efforts are underway to
treat remaining animals that may be affected. “Prior to departure, all
livestock loaded onto the vessel were assessed to be in good health and fit to
load and were inspected by veterinarians.”
The deaths were
self-reported by the exporter. The
Australian government does not mandate that a veterinarian be onboard short
haul voyages.