High-mortality voyages
This page houses info we have on each of the high-mortality voyages since 2006. The site will be continually updated to include as much information as possible. Note: the Department now refers to these as "notifiable mortality incidents" and a search for "high mortality" incidents or voyages on most search engines comes up with VALE ahead of DAFF. Transparency?
Two routine voyages:
1. Al Shuwaikh: Fremantle to Kuwait, Hamad, Jebel Ali, Muscat 23.9.17: 0.84% sheep mortality. Sheep panting for (Day 5-6 to Day 24 (19-20 consecutive days) due to WBT>sheep HST for all but 2 of those 19-20 days. NO MENTION OF HEAT STRESS in the report.
Download FOI documents
Download Analysis of voyage
2. Al Shuwaikh: Fremantle to Jebel Ali, Kuwait, Hamad, Muscat 11.11.17: 0.84% sheep mortality. Sheep panting from Day 5-20 (16 consecutive days). NO MENTION OF HEAT STRESS in the report.
Download FOI documents
1. Al Shuwaikh: Fremantle to Kuwait, Hamad, Jebel Ali, Muscat 23.9.17: 0.84% sheep mortality. Sheep panting for (Day 5-6 to Day 24 (19-20 consecutive days) due to WBT>sheep HST for all but 2 of those 19-20 days. NO MENTION OF HEAT STRESS in the report.
Download FOI documents
Download Analysis of voyage
2. Al Shuwaikh: Fremantle to Jebel Ali, Kuwait, Hamad, Muscat 11.11.17: 0.84% sheep mortality. Sheep panting from Day 5-20 (16 consecutive days). NO MENTION OF HEAT STRESS in the report.
Download FOI documents
High-mortality voyages – details
Voyage 1: Jan 2006 Geraldton to Malaysia, 3.04% goats; rapid feed ration changes and an extended time on the vessel due to maintenance problems. Likely no veterinarian.
Voyage 2: Feb 2006, Devonport to United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, 2.36% sheep; failure to eat the shipboard ration (inanition). Veterinarian status unknown.
Voyage 3: Feb 2006, Portland to Kuwait and United Arab Emirates, 1.88% cattle; movement of cows between registered premises prior to export and insufficient space available for hospital pens. Veterinarian status unknown.
Voyage 4: March 2006, Fremantle to South Korea, 1.29% cattle, likely cause heat stress. Veterinarian status unknown
Voyage 5: Oct 2006, Fremantle to Israel and Jordan, 3.18% cattle, heat stress and leg injuries/septicaemia main factors. Veterinarian status unknown.
Reference: Government investigation 1-5 consignments.
Voyage 2: Feb 2006, Devonport to United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, 2.36% sheep; failure to eat the shipboard ration (inanition). Veterinarian status unknown.
Voyage 3: Feb 2006, Portland to Kuwait and United Arab Emirates, 1.88% cattle; movement of cows between registered premises prior to export and insufficient space available for hospital pens. Veterinarian status unknown.
Voyage 4: March 2006, Fremantle to South Korea, 1.29% cattle, likely cause heat stress. Veterinarian status unknown
Voyage 5: Oct 2006, Fremantle to Israel and Jordan, 3.18% cattle, heat stress and leg injuries/septicaemia main factors. Veterinarian status unknown.
Reference: Government investigation 1-5 consignments.
1-5_consignments_1-5.docx |
Voyage 6: Jul 2006, Broome to Pasar Gudang, Malaysia, 1.47% cattle, mainly pneumonia. No veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation.
Reference: Government investigation.
6-broome-malaysia-july06.pdf |
Voyage 7: Jul 2006, Fremantle to Kuwait, Bahrain, Doha and Jebel Ali, 2.17% sheep; likely heat stress. Veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation.
Reference: Government investigation.
7-fremantle-me-july06.pdf |
Voyage 8: Sept 2006, Fremantle to Oman, 2.07% sheep; likely salmonellosis and inanition. Veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation.
Reference: Government investigation.
8-fremantle-me-sept06.pdf |
Voyage 9: Oct 2006, Wyndham to Pasar Gudang, Malaysia, 0.63% cattle; bull factors. No veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation.
Reference: Government investigation.
9-wyndham-malaysia-oct06.pdf |
Voyage 10: Dec 2006, Bison Express; Fremantle to Eilat, 1.2% cattle; pneumonia. Veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation.
Reference: Voyage 78 report for vessel ID
Reference: Government investigation.
Reference: Voyage 78 report for vessel ID
10-fremantle-israel-dec06.pdf |
Voyage 11: Fremantle to Jakarta. No veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation.
Reference: Government investigation.
11-fremantle-indonesia.pdf |
Voyage 12: May 2007, Karumba to Amamapare, 0.55% cattle; injuries sustained on voyage (slippery floors). No veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation report.
Reference: Government investigation report.
12-karumba-indonesia-may07.pdf |
Voyage 13: May 2007, Darwin to Belawan, 0.58% cattle; injuries sustained on voyage. No veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation.
Reference: Government investigation.
13-darwin-belawan-may07.pdf |
Voyage 14: May 2007, Port Hedland to Jakarta, 1.25% cattle; uncertain: pneumonia, injuries and bloat reported. No veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation.
Reference: Government investigation.
14-port-hedland-indonesia-may07.pdf |
Voyage 15: May 2007, Fremantle, Muscat Jebel Ali, Manama, Kuwait, Muscat; 4.16% sheep from one consignment (1.88% overall); heat stress, prolonged voyage, severe storm. Veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation.
Reference: Government investigation.
15-fremantle-me.pdf |
Voyage 16: May 2007, Fremantle, Muscat Jebel Ali, Manama, Kuwait, Muscat. Details to follow. Veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation report.
Reference: Government investigation report.
16_freemantle_to_oman.pdf |
Voyage 17: July 2007 Portland, Fremantle, Kuwait, Bahrain, Doha, Jebel Ali; 2.52% sheep one consignment (1.72% overall); likely contributing causes were enteritis (consistent with salmonellosis) followed by heat stress whilst entering and transiting the Persian Gulf. Veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation.
Reference: Government investigation.
17-portland-kuwait.pdf |
Voyage 18: July 2007, Fremantle to Port Louis, Mauritius, 12.5% goats; likely due to inanition and enteritis. Veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation report
Reference: Government investigation report
18-fremantle-jebel_ali.pdf |
Voyage 19: June 2007, Adelaide, Fremantle, Kuwait, Bahrain, Doha, Jebel Ali, Muscat, 2.34% sheep one consignment (1.58% overall); likely enteritis (salmonellosis) followed by heat stress. Veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation.
Reference: Government investigation.
19-adelaide-muscat.pdf |
Voyage 20: Aug-Sept 2007, Fremantle, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jebel Ali, Muscat, 2.53% sheep; likely enteritis (salmonellosis). Veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation.
Reference: Government investigation.
20-fremantle-muscat.pdf |
Voyage 21: Aug-Sept 2007 Portland, Adelaide, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jebel Ali, 2.09% sheep one consignment (overall 1.62%); likely enteritis (salmonellosis). Veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation.
Reference: Government investigation.
21-portland-jelbel_ali.pdf |
"Voyage" 22: Oct 2007, Flight Tullamarine, Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur, 6.15% goats; trauma due to crate collapse. No veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation.
Reference: Government investigation.
22-melbourne-kuala_lumpur.pdf |
Voyage 23: Oct 2007, Fremantle to Jeddah, 2.06% sheep; likely enteritis (salmonellosis). Veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation.
Reference: Government investigation.
23-fremantle-jeddah.pdf |
Voyage 24: Nov 2007; Fremantle to Jakarta; 0.76%; bull lameness and cow sudden deaths (no definitive cause identified). No veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation.
Reference: Government investigation.
24-fremantle-jakarta.pdf |
Voyage 25: Dec 2007, Port Kembla to Tamatave (Madagascar), 2.54% goats; pneumonia and enteritis (salmonellosis); no stockman onboard in contravention of ASEL. Veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation.
Reference: Government investigation.
25-port_kembla-madagascar.pdf |
30 April 2013: Letter to DAFF re substitution of vets for accredited stockpersons
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12 December 2013: Response from DAFF
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1 Feb 2014: VALE response to DAFF
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17 March 2014: Further questions for DAFF
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16 April 2014: DAFF response
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Voyage 26: Jan/Feb 2008, Geraldton to Jakarta; 1.93% cattle; official reason: inability to stand or unknown. However, no post mortems, no vets, bad weather, flooring and heat stress issues. No veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation.
Reference: Government investigation.
26-geraldton-jakartapdf.pdf |
Voyage 27: Feb 2008, Fremantle to Jakarta; 0.84% cattle; likely cause was: rough weather due to nearby Tropical Cyclone (TC) Nicolas causing injuries resulting in death during the voyage or euthanasia at the port. No veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation.
Reference: Government investigation.
27-fremantle-jakartapdf.pdf |
Voyage 28: May 2008; air voyage Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur, 11.3% cattle; likely cause was suffocation due to inadequate ventilation in the rear hold of the lower cargo compartment of the aircraft where the cattle were held. No veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation.
Reference: Government investigation.
28-melbourne-kualalumpur.pdf |
Voyage 29: Nov/Dec 2008 Fremantle to Singapore, 5.14% goats; likely cause heat and humidity; no accredited stockman Fremantle to Singapore. Veterinarian onboard from Fremantle to Singapore.
Reference: Government investigation report.
Reference: Government investigation report.
29-fremantle-singapore.pdf |
Voyage 30: Dec 2008 Darwin to Panjang, 1.14% cattle; definitive not established; moderate to rough seas throughout voyage. No veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation report.
Reference: Government investigation report.
30-darwin-panjang.pdf |
Voyage 31: Feb/March 2009 Fremantle to Jakarta, 0.70% cattle; heat stress may have contributed to, but was not the sole cause of, the mortalities; Moderate to rough seas for most of the voyage. No veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation report.
Reference: Government investigation report.
31-fremantle-jakarta.pdf |
Voyage 32: March/April 2009 Portland to Shuwaikh, Kuwait. 1.8% cattle; all mortalities occurred in heavily pregnant cattle with calving complications in a number of cases and inaccuracies in pregnancy diagnosis noted (19 full term calves born). Poor quality chaff and increased ambient temperature factors also may have contributed. Veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation report.
Reference: Government investigation report.
32-portland-shuwaikh.pdf |
Voyage 33: August 2009, Al Shuwaikh, Fremantle, Kuwait, Bahrain and The United Arab Emirates, 2.19% sheep mortality; main causes of mortality were enteritis, inanition and heat stress; pre-loading stress and high heat and humidity in the Persian Gulf contributed. Veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation report.
Reference: Government investigation report.
33-fremantle-kuwait-bahrain-uae.pdf |
Voyage 34: November 2009, aircraft voyage from Perth to Kuala Lumpur; 7.36% sheep; main cause inadequate ventilation in main cargo hold with increased temperature, humidity and ammonia. No veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation report.
Reference: Government investigation report.
34-perth-kl-air.pdf |
Voyage 35: February 2010, Ocean Shearer, Fremantle to Egypt, 1.79% cattle; main cause pneumonia; heat stress likely to have contributed. Veterinarian onboard.
References: Government investigation report; Wellard Media Release.
References: Government investigation report; Wellard Media Release.
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Voyage 36: June 2010, Al Messilah, Portland to Bahrain, Kuwait and UAE; 2.5% sheep; main causes enteritis but heat stress deaths also and high temperatures and humidity in the Persian Gulf contributed. Veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation report.
Reference: Government investigation report.
36-portland-bahrain.pdf |
Voyage 37: July 2010, Al Messilah, Portland and Adelaide to Kuwait and Bahrain, 3.67% and 2.08% sheep from Portland and Adelaide respectively; main cause heat stress and heat stress and enteritis or heat stress alone. Veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation report.
Reference: Government investigation report.
37-portland-adelaide-kuwait-bahrain.pdf |
Voyage 38: August 2010, Al Shuwaikh, Fremantle to Bahrain, Kuwait and UAE, 2.04% sheep; main cause heat stress due to high temperatures and humidity in the Persian Gulf. Veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation report.
Reference: Government investigation report.
38-fremantle-bahrain-kuwait-uae.pdf |
Voyage 39: June/July 2011, Portland, Fremantle, Turkey; Ghena; 1.43% Portland cattle; main cause pneuonia but a range of contributing causes including continuous cold, wet weather in pre-export quarantine, moving cattle in quarantine due to water-logged paddocks, failure to follow vaccination protocol and heat stress. Veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation report; FOI documents.
Reference: Government investigation report; FOI documents.
39-portland-ghena.pdf |
FOI documents: FOI Document 1; FOI Document 2; FOI Document 3; FOI Document 4; FOI Document 5; FOI Document 6; FOI Document 7; FOI Document 8; FOI Document 9; FOI Document 10; FOI Document 11; FOI Document 12; FOI Document 13; FOI Document 14; FOI Document 15; FOI Document 16
Voyage 40: June/July 2011, Al Messilah, Portland to Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain, 2.46% sheep; main causes of mortality were enteritis and inanition though mortalities due to heat stress were also recorded; high temperatures and humidity in the Arabian Gulf contributed. Veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation report.
Reference: Government investigation report.
40-portland-qatar-kuwait-bahrain.pdf |
Voyage 41:October 2011, Darwin to Brunei Darussalam, 0.78% cattle; cause of death not able to be confirmed due to lack of diagnostic investigation. No veterinarian onboard. Reference: Government investigation report
Voyage 42: Oct-Nov 2011; Darwin to Indonesia; 1.77% of 452 buffalo. The exporter did not report the mortality incident to the Department within the timeframe of 12 hours. Cause of death not established. No veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation report
Reference: Government investigation report
Voyage 43: March 2012, Brisbane to Japan, 1.17% of 600 cattle; main cause of death likely to have been heat stress. No veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation report
Reference: Government investigation report
Voyage 44: Jan 2013, MV Murray Express, Brisbane to Japan; 1.79% cattle (7) one consignment, 0.56% cattle (4) second consignment; main cause: heat stress due to high temperature and humidity. No veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation report
Reference: Government investigation report
Voyage 45: May 2013, Brisbane to Japan; 18 cattle (1.43%) in one consignment; 4 cattle (0.67% of a second consignment); combination of pre-export conditions, high temperature and humidity during voyage (heat stress), rough shipping conditions and bovine respiratory disease. No veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation report
Reference: Government investigation report
Ocean Drover: Aug-Sept 2012, Fremantle to Kuwait, Bahrain and Pakistan; Wellard; consignment rejected in Bahrain due to scabby mouth in contravention of the MOU; loss of control of supply chain; 22000 sheep culled killed by local authorities outside slaughter facilities. No voyage or incident investigation exists for this voyage as although the issue related to shipboard disease, the "high mortality event" occurred after unloading.
References: documents received under FOI: FOI Document 1; FOI Document 2; FOI Document 3; FOI Document 4; FOI Document 5; FOI Document 6
References: documents received under FOI: FOI Document 1; FOI Document 2; FOI Document 3; FOI Document 4; FOI Document 5; FOI Document 6
Voyage 46: Sept 2013; Bader III, Adelaide and Fremantle to Qatar and UAE; 4179 sheep (7.28%); main cause heat stress. Veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation report
Reference: FOI document 1; FOI document 2; FOI document 3; FOI document 4; FOI document 5; FOI document 6; FOI document 7; FOI document 8; FOI document 9; FOI document 10; FOI document 11; FOI document 12;
Reference: Government investigation report
Reference: FOI document 1; FOI document 2; FOI document 3; FOI document 4; FOI document 5; FOI document 6; FOI document 7; FOI document 8; FOI document 9; FOI document 10; FOI document 11; FOI document 12;
Voyage 47: Sept 2013; Air transport Melbourne to Harbin (China); 18 cattle (6.45%); main cause inadequate ventilation/heat stress. No veterinarian.
Reference: Government investigation report
Reference: Government investigation report
Voyage 48: Oct 2013, Air transport Melbourne to Almaty (Kazakhstan); 49 cattle (15.3%); main cause inadequate ventilation. No veterinarian.
Reference: Government investigation report
Reference: Government investigation report
Voyage 49: Nov 2013, air transport Perth to Kuala Lumpur; 44 sheep (39.3%); main cause inadequate ventilation. No veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation report
Reference: Government investigation report
Voyage 50: Jan 2014, Geraldton to Hai Phong (Vietnam), 49 cattle (3.52%); ; main cause injuries due to bad weather during the voyage. No veterinarian onboard. Reference: Government investigation report
Voyage 51: Jan 2014, Ocean Drover, Fremantle to Eilat (Israel) and Aqaba (Jordan), 2.75% cattle and 3.89% sheep; main cause: mechanical failure, prolonged voyage, insufficient fodder and the emergency fodder loaded led to ruminal acidosis. Veterinarian onboard. Reference: Government investigation report
Voyage 51:Feb 2014; Portland to Tianjin (China); 49 cattle (2.04%); main cause rough seas. Veterinarian onboard. Reference: Government investigation report
Voyage 52: February to March 2014, Portland to Tianjin, Total Livestock Genetics (TLG), 49 cattle (2.04%). Rough seas during the first day of the voyage caused injuries, resulting in euthanasia of many of the injured animals.
Reference: Government investigation reportreport52-china.pdf
Reference: Government investigation reportreport52-china.pdf
Voyage 53: Perth to Changi (Sinagpore), 174 sheep (7.91%); main cause inadequate ventilation. No veterinarian onboard. Reference: Government investigation report
Voyage 54: Oct 2014; Sahiwal Express, Darwin to Phillipines, 53 cattle (2.09%); main cause bovine respiratory disease. No veterinarian onboard. Reference: Government investigation report
Voyage 55: October 2014, Darwin to Vietnam, SEALS, South East Asian Livestock Services Pty Ltd (SEALS); 11 cattle (1.12%); main causes injuries and pneumonia. No veterinarian onboard and no necropsies performed.
Reference: Government investigation report
Reference: Government investigation report
Voyage 56: Jan 2015; Brisbane to Japan; 5 cattle (1.19%) in one consignment, 0.15% in the other. Main cause: respiratory disease and injuries sustained during rough weather on the voyage; high humidity and heavy rain may have contributed. No veterinarian onboard. Reference: Government investigation report
Voyage 57: Oct 2014, Darwin to Vietnam, 7 buffalo (1.95%); definitive cause not identified. Pre-export factors (heat during mustering and transport) and overloading by 10 buffalo (in contravention of ASEL) contributed. No veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation report
Reference: Government investigation report
Voyage 58: Feb 2015, Darwin to Thailand, 33 cattle (3.57%); no definitive cause of mortalities identified but 13 euthanased as downers - pre-export monsoonal conditions (27 rejected or euthanased for lameness before loading) contributed to increased lameness. No veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation report
Reference: Government investigation report
Voyage 59: August 2015, Sydney to Kota Kinabulu via Kuala Lumpur; 670 sheep (18.66%) and 48 goats (4.8%); main cause inadequate ventilation.
Reference: Government investigation reportreport59-malaysia.pdf
Reference: Government investigation reportreport59-malaysia.pdf
Voyage 60: March 2016, Darwin to Vietnam, 13 cattle (0.99%); main cause was respiratory disease. No veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation report
Reference: Government investigation report
Voyage 61:March 2016, Bison Express; Townsville to Vietnam; 25 mortalities in this consignment of 1,764 slaughter cattle (1.42%). The main cause of mortalities on this voyage were lameness (cattle were unable to stand or walk (downer animals)) and pneumonia with pre-export conditions a major factor in mortalities. No veterinarian onboard
Reference: Government investigation report; FOI documents
Relevant Media: http://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2017-09-13/high-mortality-rate-townsville-vietnam-live-export-consignment/8940892
VALE Media Release: vale_release_17.09.06_townsville_voyage.pdf
Reference: Government investigation report; FOI documents
Relevant Media: http://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2017-09-13/high-mortality-rate-townsville-vietnam-live-export-consignment/8940892
VALE Media Release: vale_release_17.09.06_townsville_voyage.pdf
Voyage 62: April-May 2016, Portland to Mazatlan (Mexico), Landmark Operations Pty Ltd ; 155 mortalities (2.32%); main cause of mortality was bovine respiratory disease. 1 Australian and 1 Mexican veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation report
Reference: Government investigation report
Voyage 63: no information by Feb 2020 (> 3.5 years later).
Contacted Dept on 19.2.20 by email. Response:
Contacted Dept on 19.2.20 by email. Response:
- On initial notification, the department was advised that the mortality rate for this voyage had exceeded the reportable level. Following calculation of the voyage length, the department determined that an investigation was not required as the mortality rate did not exceed the reportable level for this voyage. The department did not take any regulatory action against the exporter. The website will be updated to reflect these comments to mitigate any ongoing confusion.
Voyage 64: May 2016, Bison Express; Geraldton to Thai-Vai, Vietnam, NACC, 0.61% cattle; main causes of mortality were lameness/downers and pneumonia with pre-export weather factors likely to have contributed to both. No veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation report
Reference: see Voyage 78 that states that this vessel same as Voyage 61 and Voyage 78
Reference: Government investigation report
Reference: see Voyage 78 that states that this vessel same as Voyage 61 and Voyage 78
Voyage 65: July 2016, Al Messilah, Emanuel Exports Pty Ltd, Fremantle to Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE and Oman, 1741 sheep (2.51%) dead with another 1286 (1.85%) sheep "unaccounted for" and "reasonable likelihood that daily mortality figures were understated"; main cause of mortality was heat stress. Veterinarian onboard.
References: 2nd Government investigation report, 1st Government investigation report; FOI documents
Relevant media: The West Australian (New details emerge after hundreds of sheep die on live export ship); ABC (AMSA to review use of old ships...)
VALE Media Releases: vale_media_release_17.8.3_al_messilah.pdf
Letters: VALE to Australia's Chief Veterinary Officer and DAWR to VALE (see Government Correspondence)
References: 2nd Government investigation report, 1st Government investigation report; FOI documents
Relevant media: The West Australian (New details emerge after hundreds of sheep die on live export ship); ABC (AMSA to review use of old ships...)
VALE Media Releases: vale_media_release_17.8.3_al_messilah.pdf
Letters: VALE to Australia's Chief Veterinary Officer and DAWR to VALE (see Government Correspondence)
Voyage 66: August 2016, Al Messilah, Adelaide/Fremantle to Oman/Kuwait; 748/60112 sheep. (1.24%)
Note: report delayed due to operational oversight.
Reference: Government investigation report
- Consignment A: Emanuel - Adelaide to Oman and Kuwait: 386 mortalities out of 17 917 loaded (2.15 per cent mortality)
- Consignment B: Central Pacific - Adelaide to Oman: 93 mortalities from 15 000 loaded (0.62 per cent mortality)
- Consignment C: Emanuel - Fremantle to Oman and Kuwait: 227 mortalities from 24 955 loaded (0.91 per cent mortality)
- Consignment D: Central Pacific - Fremantle to Oman: 42 mortalities from 2 240 loaded (1.88 per cent mortality)
Note: report delayed due to operational oversight.
Reference: Government investigation report
Voyage 67: Nov, 2016, Darwin to Indonesia and Malaysia (NACC); 7 buffalo (1.88%); cause of mortality unknown. No veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation report
Reference: Government investigation report
Voyage 68: April 2017, Darwin to Brunei Darussalam and Sarawak, SEALS; 95 cattle (7.69%); main causes of mortality inappropriate floor surface resulting in slipping injuries. Veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation report; documents requested under FOI by VALE;
Correspondence 6 December 2017: Request for review of the decision to withhold two reports::vale_foi_december_2017-1.pdf
Reference: Government investigation report; documents requested under FOI by VALE;
Correspondence 6 December 2017: Request for review of the decision to withhold two reports::vale_foi_december_2017-1.pdf
Voyage 69: August 2017, Awassi Express, Emanuel Exports Pty Ltd, Fremantle to Qatar, Kuwait and UAE, 2400 or 2595 sheep (3.76% pr 3.79%); main cause of mortality was heat stress. Veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation report; FOI Documents
FIRST GOVT REPORT: see report
CURRENT GOVT REPORT: see report NOTE: had there not been video footage and AA intervention,this voyage would have passed as ASEL and Orders compliant and never sparked any major investigation process. In addition, the updated version notes that the AAV left the ship before discharge was complete
Relevant Media: The West Australian:State Government to probe death of 2500 sheep on live export vessel Al Messilah). Note: incorrect vessel cited
VALE Media Release: vale_media_release_18.2.15.pdf
Reference: Government investigation report; FOI Documents
FIRST GOVT REPORT: see report
CURRENT GOVT REPORT: see report NOTE: had there not been video footage and AA intervention,this voyage would have passed as ASEL and Orders compliant and never sparked any major investigation process. In addition, the updated version notes that the AAV left the ship before discharge was complete
Relevant Media: The West Australian:State Government to probe death of 2500 sheep on live export vessel Al Messilah). Note: incorrect vessel cited
VALE Media Release: vale_media_release_18.2.15.pdf
Voyage 70: September-October 2017, Frontier International Northern Pty Ltd, Darwin to Vietnam. 6 buffalo (2.89%). Main cause of mortality unknown. No veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation report
Reference: Government investigation report
Voyage 71:Dec 2018; Wellard; origin presumed Darwin, destination Vietnam; 2.25% (19/842) buffalo mortality. 0 cattle mortality. 13 days. No veterinarian onboard. Cause of death assumed to be stress (wild caught buffalo) and inanition. Poor body condition reported despite loaded animals found to comply with ASEL (ie healthy). Animals sprayed with water to reduce heat from Day 4. Mortalities started Day 4.
Reference: government investigation report
Reference: government investigation report
Voyage 72:January to February 2018, Australian Rural Exports Pty Ltd (Austrex), Darwin to Indonesia;29/1570 feeder cattle (1.85%); 8 day voyage. Cause hypothesised to be a combination of bad weather in feedlots and during loading, rough seas, suspected BRD (but no signs till they went down) and cattle type. No veterinarian onboard.
Reference: Government investigation report
Reference: Government investigation report
Voyage 73: May 2018, Dareen, Phoenix Exports, Fremantle to China, 46/3180 (1.45%) cattle mortality. Pneumonia and heat stress were found to be the main cause of the mortalities. The company were required to change management but a high mortality voyage followed (see Voyage 74).
Reference: Government investigation report
Reference: Government investigation report
Voyage 74: July 2018, Yangtze Fortune, Phoenix Exports Pty Ltd, Portland to China; 33/2192 (1.51%) heavy Bos taurus cattle. Heat stress was found to be the main cause of the mortalities. Deja Vu with Voyage 39: shocking winter conditions at Portland and heat stress from the equator. NOTE: these animals had increased space - space cannot prevent heat stress when the animal's stress threshold is exceeded.
Reference: Government investigation report; company had temporary licence suspension
Media: according to a media report, on its return, AMSA found drainage holes on livestock decks were not big enough and prevented water draining quickly away from the deck. AMSA ordered modifications to be made to the the Yangtze Fortune, saying the vessel was not suited to voyages of more than 10 days. See live-sheep-export-row-hits-cattle-ship-that-fails-inspection-leaving-fremantle
NOTE: the HSRA for southern cattle is clearly not appropriate and even a separate plan for Bos taurus, after the first disaster for this company (see above) was not enough to avert the problem.
Reference: Government investigation report; company had temporary licence suspension
Media: according to a media report, on its return, AMSA found drainage holes on livestock decks were not big enough and prevented water draining quickly away from the deck. AMSA ordered modifications to be made to the the Yangtze Fortune, saying the vessel was not suited to voyages of more than 10 days. See live-sheep-export-row-hits-cattle-ship-that-fails-inspection-leaving-fremantle
NOTE: the HSRA for southern cattle is clearly not appropriate and even a separate plan for Bos taurus, after the first disaster for this company (see above) was not enough to avert the problem.
Voyage 75: August to September 2018, Frontier International Northern Pty Ltd (FIN); 1,653 slaughter cattle and 487 slaughter buffalo by sea to Vietnam. 12 day voyage. A mortality rate of 1.23 per cent (six head) was reported for the buffalo and 0.12 per cent (two head) for the cattle. Main cause of death: pneumonia. No veterinarian onboard. No mention of an independent observer. Ship had insufficient antibiotic supplies. Stockman noted that ASEL provided insufficient space for buffalo.
Reference: Government Report
Reference: Government Report
Voyage 76: October 2018; South East Asian Livestock Services Pty Ltd (SEALS); port of origin not stated (presumed to be Darwin); destination Phillipines, 0.93% (13/1404) cattle mortality; 8 days. No veterinarian onboard. No independent observer. The exporter suggested possible heat stress leading to respiratory disease (pneumonia) was the contributing factor of the majority of mortalities. The exporter argued successfully that there was no need for veterinarian on the next voyage on the basis that " an experienced stockperson would provide greater health and welfare outcomes for the livestock"! Same ship as Voyage 77.
Reference: Government investigation report
Reference: Government investigation report
Voyage 77: December 2018, South East Asian Livestock Services Pty Ltd (SEALS); port of origin not stated (presumed to be Darwin) to Indonesia; 12 days; 1.3% (3/230) buffalo mortality. No veterinarian onboard. No mention of an independent observer. Cause of death unknown: "The stockperson determined the cause of first mortality was unable to be determined"! Same ship (name not provided) as Voyage 76. Mechanical issues forced a detour to Singapore.
Reference: Government Investigation report
Reference: Government Investigation report
Voyage 78: March 2019, Bison Express; North Australian Cattle Company Pty Ltd (NACC); Townsville to Vietnam; 2.86% (53/1845) cattle mortality; 11 days. No PM kit and no PMs. Westerguns inoperable. No veterinarian onboard but vet sent to discharge port. Causes of death:
• early in the voyage due to heat stress/pneumonia in Bos taurus bulls
• difficulties during loading resulting in leg injuries with associated complications in heavier Bos indicus steers.
NOTE: Report states that NACCC also had high mortality voyages previously on this same vessel (reports #61 and #64) both involving lameness and downer cattle.
NOTE: Report also states that this "purpose built vessel" the entrance to the ship was too wide, with animals occasionally getting caught or turning around. Loading was stopped after the second truckload to add extra panel to narrow the entrance." This vessel has been used for at least 14 years for transporting cattle.
NOTE: "the stockperson sought to stand the animals up, but in the process several animals sustained leg injuries, including five suffering leg breaks – these animals were immediately euthanised by the bosun......" No explanation as to why the bosun had to euthanase.
NOTE: NACC advised that they will conduct assessments of stockman capability and competence prior to voyages! Well what a relief.... Perhaps they should check whether they have a PM kit onboard....or hire someone with the nouse to get a knife from the galley or ask the ship engineers to get the Westerguns working.
Reference: Government investigation report (see report)
• early in the voyage due to heat stress/pneumonia in Bos taurus bulls
• difficulties during loading resulting in leg injuries with associated complications in heavier Bos indicus steers.
NOTE: Report states that NACCC also had high mortality voyages previously on this same vessel (reports #61 and #64) both involving lameness and downer cattle.
NOTE: Report also states that this "purpose built vessel" the entrance to the ship was too wide, with animals occasionally getting caught or turning around. Loading was stopped after the second truckload to add extra panel to narrow the entrance." This vessel has been used for at least 14 years for transporting cattle.
NOTE: "the stockperson sought to stand the animals up, but in the process several animals sustained leg injuries, including five suffering leg breaks – these animals were immediately euthanised by the bosun......" No explanation as to why the bosun had to euthanase.
NOTE: NACC advised that they will conduct assessments of stockman capability and competence prior to voyages! Well what a relief.... Perhaps they should check whether they have a PM kit onboard....or hire someone with the nouse to get a knife from the galley or ask the ship engineers to get the Westerguns working.
Reference: Government investigation report (see report)
Voyage 79: May 2019; Ganado Express; Fremantle to Huanhua, China; 19 days; 1.36% (25/1832) cattle mortality. HIGH MORTALITY VOYAGE (> 1% cattle). Mechanical breakdown. Vet onboard as first consignment to China for the exporter.
IO Report recorded some heat stress (despite mild voyage conditions).High Mortality Report stated that Decks 4 and 5 appeared hotter, in particular hold 3 around the engine room. 17/25 deaths were on these decks. Cause: IO claimed cause not identified and "noted that the majority of the mortalities did not display symptoms of illness and appeared to be sudden deaths", AAV diagnosed gastroenteritis (as a cause of sudden death?) and Dept noted that heat was a contributing factor because deaths all on the hottest decks at the hottest days of the voyage. Dept concluded multifactorial but accepted the exporter diagnosis of gastroenteritis. The Dept appears not to have requested a pathologist assessment of the photographs of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) to ascertain whether the GIT lesions could have been consistent with heat stress.
IO SUMMARY: see report
VALE COMMENT on IO REPORT: see report
HIGH MORTALITY INVESTIGATION REPORT (only available some time after 18.2.20): see report.
Note: discrepancy in dates of breakdown between High Mortality Investigation Report and IO Report.
Note: discrepancy in significance of heat with Dept concluding that heat is likely to have have had a significant role but no mention in the IO summary and AAV/exporter diagnosing gastroenteritis.
IO Report recorded some heat stress (despite mild voyage conditions).High Mortality Report stated that Decks 4 and 5 appeared hotter, in particular hold 3 around the engine room. 17/25 deaths were on these decks. Cause: IO claimed cause not identified and "noted that the majority of the mortalities did not display symptoms of illness and appeared to be sudden deaths", AAV diagnosed gastroenteritis (as a cause of sudden death?) and Dept noted that heat was a contributing factor because deaths all on the hottest decks at the hottest days of the voyage. Dept concluded multifactorial but accepted the exporter diagnosis of gastroenteritis. The Dept appears not to have requested a pathologist assessment of the photographs of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) to ascertain whether the GIT lesions could have been consistent with heat stress.
IO SUMMARY: see report
VALE COMMENT on IO REPORT: see report
HIGH MORTALITY INVESTIGATION REPORT (only available some time after 18.2.20): see report.
Note: discrepancy in dates of breakdown between High Mortality Investigation Report and IO Report.
Note: discrepancy in significance of heat with Dept concluding that heat is likely to have have had a significant role but no mention in the IO summary and AAV/exporter diagnosing gastroenteritis.
Voyage 80: July 2019; Frontier International Northern (FIN); Darwin to Vietnam; 9 days; 1852 feeder/slaughter cattle, 209 buffalo. 1.19% (22/1852) cattle mortality. Rough seas. Main cause of death pneumonia. DVO noted nasal discharge before loading but company did not consider it an issue and loaded them. Same ship as Voyage 75. AAV onboard.
"The DVO inspected the cattle on 20 July 2019 and noted that many of the animals (particularly the bulls) showed signs of clear nasal discharge. The DVO advised FIN to monitor the cattle onto the trucks, and to be aware that the increased stress of handling and loading could increase their susceptibility to viral respiratory diseases. FIN advised that it did consider the advice, however did not believe the issue warranted rejection of the cattle from consignment, and were comfortable that the veterinary kit on board was well stocked, bedding was loaded and all animal preparation procedures were followed per requirements."
Reference: Government investigation report
VALE COMMENT: ASEL states that only healthy animals should be loaded ie having medications onboard to treat does not mean ill cattle can be loaded.
"The DVO inspected the cattle on 20 July 2019 and noted that many of the animals (particularly the bulls) showed signs of clear nasal discharge. The DVO advised FIN to monitor the cattle onto the trucks, and to be aware that the increased stress of handling and loading could increase their susceptibility to viral respiratory diseases. FIN advised that it did consider the advice, however did not believe the issue warranted rejection of the cattle from consignment, and were comfortable that the veterinary kit on board was well stocked, bedding was loaded and all animal preparation procedures were followed per requirements."
Reference: Government investigation report
VALE COMMENT: ASEL states that only healthy animals should be loaded ie having medications onboard to treat does not mean ill cattle can be loaded.
Voyage 81: Aug 2019; Girolando Express; Darwin to Hon La (Vietnam) and Phu My (Vietnam; 13 days; 0.31% 5/1,629 cattle mortality, 6/809 (0.74%) buffalo mortality - HIGH MORTALITY VOYAGE (unloaded at Hon La so <10 days). ASEL non compliance with feeding and loading. Pad issues. Injuries. Euthanasia issues. No vet: Dept required vet next buffalo voyage for this exporter - also high mortality.
NOTE: investigation report is discrepant with the IO Report as investigation report stated that IO indicated "possible overstocking". IO report in fact stated : "a number of buffalo pens contained stock numbers greater than the ASEL stocking densities. This impacted on the health and welfare of the animals in the more densely packed pens as access to feed and water and their ability to rest was reduced."
Reference: Government Investigation Report; IO Report 167
IO PHOTO: irrefutable evidence of inadequate space allowance: see photo
NOTE: investigation report is discrepant with the IO Report as investigation report stated that IO indicated "possible overstocking". IO report in fact stated : "a number of buffalo pens contained stock numbers greater than the ASEL stocking densities. This impacted on the health and welfare of the animals in the more densely packed pens as access to feed and water and their ability to rest was reduced."
Reference: Government Investigation Report; IO Report 167
IO PHOTO: irrefutable evidence of inadequate space allowance: see photo
Voyage 82: Nov 2019; 2.27% (23/1,012) slaughter buffalo mortality (exceeding 1%), voyage from Darwin (presumably but not detailed) to Vietnam, 11 days. ASEL non-compliance. Buffalo could not be adequately inspected prior to loading because many "were wallowing in mud" and they died mainly due to starvation/low body condition (0 or 1).
OUTCOME: "The department required the exporter to prepare and implement a comprehensive buffalo management plan and additional monitoring, oversight and reporting for future buffalo consignments." And thats all that needs to be done despite the fact that at the time the exporter has had 8 notifiable incidents (one in the same ship #68) - 3 in buffalo consignments (including #81) and that " In failing to hold 81 buffalo in the RP for less than two clear days prior to export, not rejecting inappropriate buffalo, and not adequately assessing the buffalos’ fitness to load, SEALS have not complied with standards 3.8A, 3.1.1 of appendix 3.1, and 4.8 of ASEL." Business as usual for the Dept and the exporters and no penalties of course.
Reference: Government Investigation Report
OUTCOME: "The department required the exporter to prepare and implement a comprehensive buffalo management plan and additional monitoring, oversight and reporting for future buffalo consignments." And thats all that needs to be done despite the fact that at the time the exporter has had 8 notifiable incidents (one in the same ship #68) - 3 in buffalo consignments (including #81) and that " In failing to hold 81 buffalo in the RP for less than two clear days prior to export, not rejecting inappropriate buffalo, and not adequately assessing the buffalos’ fitness to load, SEALS have not complied with standards 3.8A, 3.1.1 of appendix 3.1, and 4.8 of ASEL." Business as usual for the Dept and the exporters and no penalties of course.
Reference: Government Investigation Report
Voyage 83: Mar 2020; 5/797 (0.63%) cattle; Darwin to Brunei, 8 days. Same exporter as Voyage 82 and same ship. Downer cows. No veterinarian. Stockperson only - the FOI on IO 197 shows a major issue with a stockperson from this exporter but it is not known whether the same stockperson present on this ship. Stockperson concluded that there were some flooring issues but the cattle had too much space so fell down and recommended stocking the cattle more tightly in future. This conclusion to increase stocking density to prevent falls on a voyage that had mild sea conditions, flies in the face of available science on animal balance during transport. The explanation was of course accepted by the Dept, which has ignored peer-reviewed scientific evidence for decades.
Reference: Government Investigation Report
Reference: Grandin and Gallo 2007: re cattle balance and land transport: "At high stocking density, especially approaching maximum density, cattle occasionally went down, apparently involuntarily. Towards the end of long (24 h) road journeys with Friesian steers, several cattle lay down during the final 4–8 h of the journey. This was observed at all stocking densities, but only at high stocking density were animals trapped down and unable to rise". This and other references note high stocking densities (in trucks) only helpful during sharp motion changes such as braking.
Reference: Government Investigation Report
Reference: Grandin and Gallo 2007: re cattle balance and land transport: "At high stocking density, especially approaching maximum density, cattle occasionally went down, apparently involuntarily. Towards the end of long (24 h) road journeys with Friesian steers, several cattle lay down during the final 4–8 h of the journey. This was observed at all stocking densities, but only at high stocking density were animals trapped down and unable to rise". This and other references note high stocking densities (in trucks) only helpful during sharp motion changes such as braking.
Voyage 84: Aug 2020, 8/1,399 feeder/slaughter cattle (0.57%) and 2/423 (0.47%) feeder/slaughter buffalo; Darwin to Vietnam; 9 days. High mortality for cattle due to BRD. Stockperson conclusions backed up by photos of necropsies and communications with Dept and company veterinarian appeared to be diligent and correct. Outcome: AAV required on next voyage and vaccination of high risk animals....BRD is an infectious disease, why not the whole consignment.
Reference: Government Investigation Report
Reference: Government Investigation Report
Voyage 85: Nov 2020; 9/1,607 feeder cattle (0.5%); Townsville to Philippines. 12 5 days. 3 found dead, 6 were euthanased as recumbent and unable to stand. The stockman reported that an unusual condition appeared in some animals where a minor wound (i.e. severe bruising) would become infected and would spread rapidly through the body into the lungs and liver, resulting in death.
The exporter suggested that the use of bull catchers could have been a contributing factor to the mortalities, as many of the animals showed clinical signs of injury. SEALS reported that some of the cattle from the consignment were caught with bull catchers and may have had an underlying internal injury/infection which manifested after a number of days resulting in their death. OUTCOME: they get a vet who might actually know something about pathology on the next ship (compared to a stockperson with no training in pathology) and they wont carry animals caught by bull-catchers. The loading of injured animals was not considered a breach of ASEL.
Reference: Government Investigation Report
The exporter suggested that the use of bull catchers could have been a contributing factor to the mortalities, as many of the animals showed clinical signs of injury. SEALS reported that some of the cattle from the consignment were caught with bull catchers and may have had an underlying internal injury/infection which manifested after a number of days resulting in their death. OUTCOME: they get a vet who might actually know something about pathology on the next ship (compared to a stockperson with no training in pathology) and they wont carry animals caught by bull-catchers. The loading of injured animals was not considered a breach of ASEL.
Reference: Government Investigation Report
Voyage 86: Jul 2021; Darwin to Vietnam; 21/2,902 (0.72%) feeder cattle; 9 days. 20/21 BRD; 1 musculoskeletal. No vet on board. The AAV prescribed antibiotics mixed in food (sick cattle dont necessarily eat) and in water (that feedlot does has not facilities to allow accurate antimicrobial additives to a prescribed concentration) before the consignment left. This is poor and ineffective antimicrobial use. Despite this no extra antibiotics appeared to have been loaded. The first report of any remote veterinary involvement was Day 7 (of an 8.9 day voyage when problems started on Day 2). Stockperson reported to use corticosteroid therapy in isolation for BRD (not recommended). Supplies of Draxxin ran out despite the antibiotic supply complying with ASEL - no mention that perhaps more should have been loaded given the known BRD risk for this consignment. Also no mention that ASEL should updated to ensure adequate antibiotics. In fact, the Dept just stipulated that this company should carry more antibiotics! THIS CONSIGNMENT SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN LOADED! As for what happened in Vietnam once these cattle were unloaded - who knows? How many were there? Were they treated further or more likely slaughtered? And did that antibiotic contaminated meat find its way into the human food chain - Draxxin has a 12 week withholding period- answer almost certainly yes. Such a competent regulator we have for this industry and so much for Australia's National Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy, touted so often by our Chief Veterinary Officer!
Reference: Government Investigation Report
Voyage 86: July 2023, Frontier International Northern Pty Ltd (FIN); voyage to Jakarta from unspecified detination; 6 days; 3/544 feeder cattle (0.55%) mortality; to Indonesia. 2/3 due to BRD and 1/3: downer (open-ended diagnosis). No AAV present thus presumably why no cause identified for downer animal.
Reference: Government Investigation Report
Reference: Government Investigation Report
Voyage 86: July 2023, Frontier International Northern Pty Ltd (FIN); voyage to Jakarta from unspecified detination; 6 days; 3/544 feeder cattle (0.55%) mortality; to Indonesia. 2/3 due to BRD and 1/3: downer (open-ended diagnosis). No AAV present thus presumably why no cause identified for downer animal.
Reference: Government Investigation Report