Live ex trade threatens Australian biosecurity

Sheep from the Ocean Outback will soon be coming back into Australia for slaughter....which is a blessing for animal welfare.

However, just as with the Al Messilah incident in 2011, it is important to note that this trade, and its disasters, threatens Australian livestock production. Whilst the export ships are disinfected prior to returning to Australia, disinfection can never be perfect when there are surfaces that will accumulate organic matter. Thus to unload Australian animals from these vessels which have transported foreign animals (eg Ocean Swagman is in South America at the moment.....foot and mouth disease?), risks introducing exotic diseases into Australia. Wonder how the average Australian farmer will feel if the live ex trade introduces an exotic disease that wipes out their livelihood.