Over 100 Cattle Die Under Mysterious Conditions On Ship En Route To Indonesia

Livestock Carrier — Image Credits: Vroon

Over 100 Australian cattle died on the Brahman Express en route to Indonesia, making it one of the greatest fatality rates ever recorded on an Australian cattle shipment. The 2002-built ship, owned and operated by Vroon, sailed from Darwin on March 14 and arrived in Indonesia six days later.

According to sources, all livestock was inspected according to government standards before departure, assuring compliance with domestic and importing-country criteria.

However, many cattle died from unidentified causes while in transport, which prompted the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) to take immediate action.

The department immediately investigated the incident, regarded as a “priority” concern. Although the Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council (ALEC) raised concerns about botulism causing deaths, the exact cause was still being investigated.

The DAFF dismissed concerns that exotic animal diseases like lumpy skin and foot-and-mouth disease might be responsible, highlighting Australia’s ongoing status as free of such diseases.

However, recent reports of lumpy skin disease in Australian cattle shipped to Indonesia raised concern, leading to the suspension of imports from specified Australian pre-export quarantine facilities.

In response to the terrible accident, ALEC stated that measures were being taken to address any remaining animals that the trauma may have harmed. They noted that all livestock put onboard the vessel had been thoroughly examined by vets and deemed fit for transport before departure.

The exporter self-reported the fatalities, showcasing transparency in managing the situation. The incident sparked discussions on the ethical aspects and safety of live animal exports, with some, including The Greens’ Mehreen Faruqi, calling for a complete ban on the trade of animals.

Reference: The Guardian, abc.net

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