Livestock export standards
| PROGRAM OBJECTIVE | KPIs | OUTCOMES | BENEFITS | FUTURE |
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| Underpin a sustainable livestock export trade with risk management and quality assurance |
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The improvements industry has made to operating procedures and the day-to-day care provided to animals during transport has enabled it to remain well below the regulatory benchmark set by the Australian Government of less than 1% mortality for cattle and less than 2% mortality for sheep and goats, and below the industry standard of 0.2% for cattle and 1% for sheep.
The overall mortality rate for sheep transported to all destinations in 2006 was 0.9% for the 4.15 million sheep exported. This is a decrease from 0.95% in 2005. The overall mortality rate for cattle transported from Australia in 2006 was 0.18% of the 618,645 cattle exported. This represents a slight increase from 0.14% in 2005, attributed to one particular shipment in 2006. This shipment was investigated by AQIS and remedial measures have been implemented.
The overall mortality rate was 0.49% among the 25,353 goats exported from Australia in 2006, a decline from the 0.77% in 2005.
The reportable mortality incidents of 2006 have been investigated by AQIS, as per the regulatory process. Identified causes and actions to prevent recurrence are listed on the AQIS website.
New software launched
In October 2006, the Export Cattle Trace version 2.1 software was launched. Export Cattle Trace is an entry level NLIS-based program designed to enable exporters to maintain the identification of cattle through a complex protocol program where laboratory test results and treatments need to be recorded and tracked to individual animals.
R&D Projects
A presentation to RSPCA on the livestock export R&D program was a step towards better dialogue with both state and federal levels of the RSPCA. The presentation included information on:
- Segregation of horned and non horned livestock
- Pregnancy testing of immature animals
- The provision of discretion for AQIS decision making in a number of sections of the standards
- The banning of animals in the holds of aircraft
- Vaccination of cattle for bovine respiratory disease
- Bovine Johne’s disease testing by Korean quarantine officials
- Ventilation capability for aircraft used in Australia
Training needs addressed
In establishing the training needs for industry, we examined all standards and codes of practice to define training and competency requirements. A gap analysis was completed which now gives the livestock export program the opportunity to deliver relevant training courses to all sectors of the industry next year. Two stockman training courses were held and a livestock export stevedore course was evaluated.
The industry emergency management plan was re-written with a better balance of operational processes versus communication. Audits and trials are scheduled for 2007-08.
Exporter risk management quality assurance was deferred pending the resolution of issues with regulations and standards, which have since been dealt with. The project is expected to begin in 2007-08.