The Australian livestock export industry has applauded the Federal Government’s announcement of the resumption of the live cattle trade to Egypt, following the development of a new facility at the Egyptian port of Sokhna.
The Australian livestock export industry has applauded the Federal Government’s announcement of the resumption of the live cattle trade to Egypt, following the development of a new facility at the Egyptian port of Sokhna.
Sokhna Livestock Company’s brand new, high quality facility in Egypt will have livestock experts handle cattle from vessel to feedlot to processing in one location. This is known as a “closed system”.
“This is a result of considerable combined effort between the Australian and Egyptian Governments and the Australian livestock export industry,” said Cameron Hall, LiveCorp CEO.
“While it will be several months before the operational orders are finalised and in place to allow shipments to commence, Australians can be confident that there will be proper controls to ensure the welfare of Australian cattle exported to Egypt.
“In fact, under this system Australian cattle will be well cared for and managed under agreed procedures throughout the entire livestock export chain – from the farm in Australia to the processing facilities in Sokhna.”
Upon arrival at the new facility, cattle will disembark the livestock vessel and walk 800 metres to the shaded feedlot, where they will have access to feed and water. Once ready for processing, the livestock will walk 50 metres from the feedlot to the new modern processing facility.
The system will also be fully auditable. Each animal will have an individual electronic tag device and will be scanned prior to leaving Australia and upon arrival at the feedlot in Egypt. This tag will be collected at the point of processing and verified back to the original animals on the shipment.
“The reopening of the trade clearly highlights the Australian livestock export industry’s commitment to leading world’s best practice and improving animal welfare through investment in training, education and development of facilities and infrastructure,” said Mr Hall.
“Our industry initiatives are clearly working and the Australian public and Federal Government can be confident that Australian cattle will be well cared for along the entire supply chain to Egypt.”
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MEDIA INTERVIEWS:
In SOKHNA on Saturday 10 May:
MLA Chairman, Don Heatley
MLA Board Director, Mike Carroll
MLA LiveCorp Livestock Services Manager, Middle East & Africa, Peter Dundon
Manager, Sokhna Livestock Company facility, Richard Leitch
IN AUSTRALIA:
General Manager Livestock Exports, MLA, Scott Hansen
CEO LiveCorp, Cameron Hall
To arrange an interview, view footage of the Sokhna facility or for further information, please contact:
Yvette Farrell, MLA / LiveCorp: 02 9463 9388 or 0416 189 775