Australia suspends live cattle exports to Indonesia
10/06/2011
In response the Australian livestock industry has said it understands the reasons behind the decision to suspend the live cattle trade to Indonesia until a controlled system that will assure the welfare of Australian cattle exported to Indonesia has been implemented.
The industry has already proposed a solution package to the Australian government. Under the system proposed, the industry commits to limit exports, sending live cattle only to a core group of facilities in Indonesia independently accredited to meet OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health) animal welfare standards. “A stringent supply chain, the rapid introduction of stunning, and an ongoing review and monitoring programme will ensure Australian cattle are processed only through these facilities,” industry organisation Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) said in a statement.
MLA chairman, Don Heatley, said the suspension of the trade will certainly have an impact on cattle producers and communities in the north of Australia.
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