Live sheep trade with Israel suspendedNovember 16, 2006 03:17pm
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20768528-1702,00.htmlISRAEL has suspended live sheep imports from Australia due to animal health concerns.
Federal Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran said Israel was refusing to accept any more shipments until the situation was resolved.
The suspension was revealed today by animal welfare group Animals Australia, which said the health problems with a previous consignment led Israel to reject a shipment of 10,000 Australian sheep due to arrive in the country on November 3.
The exporters were then forced to unload the animals in Jordan, the group said.
Mr McGauran said Animals Australia's claims contained some "major inaccuracies", but he confirmed the trade was on hold after Israeli authorities raised concerns about a shipment of sheep that arrived on October 15.
"Israel has alleged there were minor health problems with some sheep," he said.
"These allegations are being investigated by AQIS (Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service).
"Until this is resolved, Israel has indicated it will not accept further consignments of sheep from Australia."
Mr McGauran would not reveal anything about the health problems with the sheep, but said the Government was taking the matter seriously.
"AQIS has initiated an urgent investigation into the claims and has sought additional information from Israeli authorities," he said.
"There are no current consignments of sheep being prepared or en route."
Animals Australia claimed the new shipment allegedly turned away by Israel, on the vessel MV Maysora, also contained a consignment of cattle – many of which died during the three week journey to the Middle East.
"This latest incident provides further evidence of the unacceptable risks animals face on every vessel that leaves Australia," Animals Australia director Glenys Oogjes said.
AQIS declined to comment on the suspension of trade with Israel.
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