Cattle unloaded, Bahijah again at sea being tidied - the latest

At 11 am WST/Fremantle time, the Federal Department of Ag advised as follows

Last night, several hundred head of healthy cattle were successfully unloaded from the MV Bahijah at the request of the exporter.

Department officials were present to ensure all biosecurity protocols were met. The cattle appear healthy and well.

The cattle have been moved to appropriate premises where they are quarantining safely. There were no animal welfare issues associated with this unloading.

This action is separate to the potential re-export of the remaining animals on the vessel. The department’s decision maker is still considering the application.

Further information will be published as it becomes available

Then just now at 4 pm WST/Freo time the Department further advised that –

Today, as a further measure for the comfort of the livestock onboard, and to maintain high levels of animal welfare, the vessel has left port. This will enable routine cleaning which include replacing the livestock bedding.

The exporter’s registered veterinarian remains on board the vessel and will continue to report back to the department daily on the health and welfare of the livestock.

The department continues to assess the application to re-export the livestock provided by the exporter.

Further information will be published as it becomes available.

It’s not clear just what livestock remains on the vessel, but it is understood mainly to be sheep after the ‘several hundred’ of cattle were remove earlier.

Watch this space.

WHILE YOU’RE HERE –