MPI Reports Sheep unloaded in Mexico

The Ministry for Primary Industries has confirmed the 45,000 sheep and 3,200 cattle, exported to Mexico are now at a holding farm following their 15-day journey from Timaru. A total of 191 sheep and one cow died – 0.42% and 0.03% respectively of the sheep and cattle in the shipment. This compares favourably with the average mortality of 0.71% in 40 Australian live sheep shipments last year. MPI’s Director Animal and Animal Products, Matthew Stone, said the exact cause of the deaths is not yet known but, as a matter of course, MPI has required a detailed voyage report by mid-July from the exporter, which will include information from the veterinarian who travelled with the shipment. “Nothing unexpected happened in terms of the animals’ health and welfare during the voyage,” said Mr Stone. “The stockmen on board report the sheep had a 10–12% weight gain on the 15 day voyage.” Mexican authorities oversaw the completion of the vessel’s disembarkation process.