An Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) scientific review has suggested that it may not be possible to meet basic animal welfare standards on live sheep voyages to the Middle East during northern summer months.
The review has found that, regardless of any reduction in stocking densities, sheep remain susceptible to the extreme climatic conditions in the Gulf during the summer months.
The AVA literature review has been submitted to the Federal Government review of standards for sheep trade during Middle Eastern summer.
The WA Government is meeting with major WA meat processors to discuss capacity and prepare the industry for a reduction or pause in live exports over the mid-year period.