Australia to Resume Live Exports to Egypt After Animal Welfare Deal Struck

Australia will recommence exporting sheep and cattle to Egypt after the government struck a deal with Egyptian importers on animal welfare standards.

It’s been two years since cattle was last exported to Egypt after shocking footage of cruelty at two Egyptian abattoirs.

It led to an industry-wide live trade suspension.

Sheep haven’t been exported to Egypt since 2006.

Agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce said the Australian and Egyptian governments had now come to an agreement on “all matters” to restart live sheep and cattle exports, including an agreement on the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS).

ESCAS requires Australian exporters to establish supply chains consistent with global animal health standards.

The deal follows the recent resumption of sheep exports to Bahrain after a two-year hiatus.

The government is working on opening up new markets for live trade, Joyce said in a statement.

Source: The Guardian