INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF CONDITIONS FOR THE EXPORT OF SHEEP TO THE MIDDLE EAST DURING THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE SUMMER
11 May 2018
The Hon. David Littleproud MP
Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Dear Minister
On 10 April 2018 you announced that I would undertake an independent, short, sharp review to advise on conditions for the export of sheep to the Middle East during the northern hemisphere summer, in accordance with the review terms of reference on the Department of Agriculture and Water Resource’s website. It was delivered on 11 May2018.
TheAustralianStandardsfortheExportofLivestock(intheirentirety)arebeingreviewed byatechnicalcommittee,whichcommencedin2017andisongoing.Thisreviewismore targeted and applies only to the export of sheep to the Middle East in the northern hemispheresummer.
In conducting this review, I have consulted with key stakeholders and received much- appreciated assistance from officers of your department including Dr Mark Schipp, Australian Chief Veterinary Officer, and those who assisted as secretariat for the review.
I now enclose, for your attention, my report and recommendations. Yours sincerely
Dr Michael McCarthy
1. ExecutiveSummary
The recent release of footage covering on-board treatment of sheep, over a series of voyages to the Middle East, last year shocked the Australian community, undermining public confidence in the trade. For the livestock export trade to continue, the public expects the Australian industry to uphold and comply with the highest animal welfare standards throughout the entire supply chain.
In response to the footage, the government commissioned this review to advise on conditions and any changes to the administration of the Australian Standards for the ExportofLivestock(ASEL)and/oractionsthatwouldberequiredtoassurethehealthand welfare outcomes for sheep being transported to the Middle East during the northern hemispheresummer.
Whilst it is acknowledged that the findings of this review may have implications for the trade and the farm gate price for Australian sheep, the terms of reference are clear, and referspecificallytowhatisrequiredtoassurethehealthandwelfareofthesheepduring the northern hemisphere summerperiod.
The review has been undertaken with a view to provide a roadmap for the way forward. It has not been undertaken with a view to being a blue-print for new legislation, nor is it meant, in any way, to replace or usurp the work being undertaken by the ASEL Review Technical Advisory Committee.
The review has considered the best evidence in the time available, including consideration of the scientific literature, recent live sheep export-related video footage, reports from observers on recent voyages and other relevant information.
The review’s recommendations fall into two categories. There are those recommendationsthatshouldbeimplementedassoonaspracticalifthetradecontinues during the higher risk 2018 northern hemisphere summer. These recommendations address the immediate and specific challenges of exporting sheep from Australia to the Middle East during that period. These are interim measures to apply until October2018. The review recognises that some other recommendations may require more time to implement and these will be considered by the ASEL review committee within their own timeframe.
Overall,thisreviewconcludesthattheliveexportindustryisatthecrossroads.Whathas occurred in the past must not happen in the future, and industry must therefore retreat toa‘safe’position,consolidateandthenbuildanewwayforwardbasedonscience,trust andperformance.
The central issues relevant to sheep health and welfare during shipping to the Middle East in the months of May to October are stocking density, ventilation and thermoregulationinthesheep.Thereviewmakesanumberofrecommendationsrelated to these factors. In summary the main recommendationsare:
· that the industry moves away from using mortality as a measure to a focus on measures that reflect the welfare of the animal. Within the risk assessment model this replaces the mortality limit with a heat tolerancelevel
· that the risk settings on the Heat Stress Risk Assessment (HSRA) are to be adjusted to better reflect communityexpectations
· that space allocation should embrace ‘allometric ’principles and adopt a k-value of 0.033, and this be utilised for any periods within the May to October period, unless overridden by the HSRA model’sassessment
· that a vessel’s pen air turnover (PAT) be independently verified, as part of the condition of an approved arrangement for sheep travelling to the Middle East during the northern hemispheresummer
· that the reportable level for sheep travelling from Australia to the Middle East be reduced from 2% to 1% effective immediately
· further recommendations as described in the body of thisreview.
In terms of immediate action:
· the risk settings in the HSRA model can be changed reasonably quickly and should be operational for this northern hemisphere summer or at a minimum by 1 July2018
· PAT verification will be more time consuming but is an essential condition of the approved arrangements goingforward
· space allocation can be applied as soon as practical or at least by 1 July2018
· a reduction in the reportablelevel.
Subsequent actions would include:
· modification of the HSRA model to include duration of exposure and the period of time that sheep are exposed to heat withoutrespite
· the inclusion of ventilation design as a factor in the HSRAmodel
· modification of the way in which the model manages ‘open decks’ and also include:
· a re-assessment of the recommended tolerance level and the probabilityrisk
settings.
The review makes a series of further recommendations and these are outlined in the body of the report.
Itisanticipatedthatthenewsettingswillimposesubstantialrestrictionsofmanyvessels wishing to participate in the trade during the northern hemisphere summer period, depending on the month, their ventilation capabilities, the cargo they intend to carry and the destinations involved.
This is an important moment in time. The live export industry, as a whole, covers a spectrum of activity. Strife in one sector impacts strongly on another. It is time for the industry to come together as a whole, and place a much stronger emphasis on animal welfare and move away from measures that use mortality as a benchmark. Reportable levels, voyage success and risk parameters have all been based around mortality. It is envisaged that the ‘new world ’will replace mortality with a raft of welfare measures and involve a quantum shift in attitude andbehaviour.
Table of Contents
6.1.5 The role of the Australian Government Accredited Veterinarian andtheobserver... 23
6.1.15 Heat stress management (morbidity) andcontingencyplanning............................. 30
6.1.17 The effect of winter challenges in Australia and propertyoforigin.......................... 31
6.3.1 DAWR’s interaction with AMSA forvesselapproval................................................. 34
6.3.2 The effectiveness of currentreportingrequirements.............................................. 34
6.3.3 Additional assurance that approved arrangements arebeingmet............................ 35
2. Introduction
This review has been conducted as an independent, short, sharp review to advise on conditions (as specified in approved arrangements) that would be required to assure the welfare of sheep travelling to the Middle East in the northern hemisphere summer if the trade were to continue. The review has worked systematically through the terms of reference within the short time frame provided. As a result, there may be aspects that have not been addressed and/or the need to refine what has been stated due to the nature of the review being sotime-bound.
Any advice forwarded makes the assumption that the recommendations are properly implemented and that the regulatory framework surrounding the recommendations is effective.
Recent events have again heightened scrutiny, and the industry is very much at the crossroads. Very clearly, what has been the case in the past, will not be the case in the future and a new way forward is required. The current watershed is a great opportunity for the industry to take stock, embrace change and move forward with a new paradigm.
The live export industry, as a whole, covers a broad spectrum of activity. Strife in one sector impacts strongly on another. It is time for the industry to come together as a whole, and place a much greater focus on animal welfare and a move away from measures that use mortality as a benchmark. Reportable levels, voyage success and risk parameters have all been based around mortality. It is envisaged that the new world will replace mortality with a raft of welfare measures and involve a quantum shift in attitude and behaviour.
There view has been undertaken with a view to provide a road map for the way forward. It has not been undertaken with a view to being a blue-print for new legislation, nor is it meant in any way to replace or usurp the work being undertaken by the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (Version 2.3) (ASEL) Review Technical Advisory Committee. Wherever possible the findings of this review have been forwarded to the appropriate areas for further development and implementation. Foremost in this, of course, is the Minister for Agriculture and WaterResources.
The terms of reference are quite specific and refer to conditions within approved arrangements. The conditions in mind are those conditions that would allow trade to continue. In general, the recommendations are made based on the construct that the industry should retreat to a ‘safe’ position, consolidate and then build forward on the basis of science, trust and performance. The recommendations below reflect this approach.
3. Recommendations
Recommendation 1—Compliance
The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (the department) must ensure that exporters, through their approved arrangements, comply with any legislative requirements, ASEL and any other conditions of their approved arrangements.
Recommendation 2—Stocking Densities
Based on the available science, and as an interim measure, sheep destined to the Middle East from Australia during the northern hemisphere summer should be allocated space allometrically using a k-value of 0.033 or such further space as required by the industry heat stress risk assessment model. Use of this allometric stocking density should be reviewed by the ASEL Review Technical Advisory Committee and/or an independent taskforce at the end of the forthcoming northern hemisphere summer.
Recommendation 3—Heat Stress Risk Assessment
Industry should move from a risk assessment based on mortality to a risk assessment based on animal welfare.
Recommendation 4—Heat Stress Risk Assessment
As an interim measure, it is recommended that the risk be set at a 2% probability of 5% percent of the sheep becoming affected by heat stress (Heat stress score 3—see Table 1). These settings should be reviewed by the ASEL Review Technical Advisory Committee at the end of this northern hemisphere summer period and again, annually by an independent taskforce.
Recommendation 5—Heat Stress Risk Assessment
That the required changes to the industry HSRA model be made immediately and then included in Version 5 of the HSRA model.
Recommendation 6—Heat Tolerance Level
As an interim measure, industry should adopt Table 1 (of this review)—‘An amalgamation of heat stress indicators’ to determine the acceptable heat tolerance level. 9
Recommendation 7—Heat Stress Risk Assessment
A future version of the industry HSRA model to be developed, adopted and used by industry during the northern hemisphere summer of 2019 should have the capacity to assess:
a) the duration of time that sheep are exposed to high heat loads without respite
b) ventilation design rather than assessing risk based on airflow alone
In addition, the way in which the model manages open decks should be reviewed.
Recommendation 8—Heat Stress Risk Assessment
A future version of the industry heat stress risk assessment model to be developed, adopted and used by industry during the northern hemisphere summer of 2019 should reassess:
a) the ‘heat tolerance’ level
b) the probability risk settings.
Recommendation 9—Pen Air Turnover
The report strongly supports the recommendation from the ASEL Review Technical Advisory Committee that a vessel’s pen air turnover be independently audited before travelling to the Middle East in the 2018 northern hemisphere summer.
Recommendation 10—Register of vessels
A relevant government agency should maintain a register of vessels whose pen air turnover (PAT) information has been certified following auditing and verification.
Recommendation 11—Verification of PAT information
It would be a condition of an approved arrangement that all livestock vessel’s PAT information has been independently verified where the vessel is destined for the Middle East during the northern hemisphere summer.
Recommendation 12—Curfew adjustments for stocking density
The weight of animals for the purposes of stocking density should specify curfew and adjustments should be made to reflect a 12-hour curfew (i.e. the livestock industry standard). 10
Recommendation 13—Compliant loading of animals
Authorised officers should check and verify the weights of sufficient animals to be satisfied that the vessel is to be or has been loaded in a way that is consistent with a compliant heat stress risk assessment and ASEL. This may be conducted at any point in the supply chain.
Recommendation 14—Use of sawdust
There is no need for sawdust for bedding under normal circumstances on sheep voyages but the use of sawdust strategically before and/or during the voyage should be included in an exporter’s heat stress management plan, if required, for targeted areas on the vessel.
Recommendation 15—Purchase lines
Both the Australian Government Accredited Veterinarian (AAV) and the Independent Observer (IO) should be given information regarding the purchase lines of all sheep included in the consignment (i.e. the denominator) to identify ‘line effects’ within the mortality pattern on board. This can be encoded if confidentially is an issue. Line effects identified over the course of the voyage should be investigated once the voyage has been completed.
Recommendation 16—Roles and responsibilities
With the advent of IOs, a taskforce should be established to determine the roles and responsibilities of AAVs, IOs and accredited stockmen. This responsibility may fall to the ASEL Review Technical Advisory Committee.
Recommendation 17—Animal carcasses
All livestock vessels traveling to the designated special zones in the Middle East during the northern hemisphere summer should be equipped with a serviceable hogger and/or a refrigerated container of suitable size to hold animal carcasses whilst in port (or at sea if required). This requirement should be included in an approved arrangement and AMSA should be notified of the requirement.
Recommendation 18—Reportable mortality level
The reportable mortality level for sheep exported by sea to the Middle East should be reduced from 2% to 1%. 11
Recommendation 19—Daily reporting
The use of both a panting score and a heat stress score should be a mandatory requirement in the daily report. A training module may be required to ensure that score allocation is consistent across industry.
Recommendation 20—Automated watering systems
All vessels carrying sheep to the Middle East during the northern hemisphere summer should have automated livestock watering systems.
Recommendation 21—Heat Stress Management Plan
A meaningful heat stress management plan could be a part of an exporter’s approved arrangement. This plan should address the contingencies outlined in this review.
Recommendation 22—First port of unloading
Where Kuwait is one of the vessel’s destination ports, this should be the vessel’s first port of unloading.
Recommendation 23—Monitoring equipment
All vessels travelling to the Middle East during the 2019 northern hemisphere summer and after should have automated continuous environmental monitoring equipment installed as a condition of any approved arrangement.
4. Background
On 8 April 2018, the Nine Network aired footage provided by Animals Australia on the 60 Minutes program showing conditions aboard a live export vessel containing sheep bound for the Middle East over five voyages.
The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (the department) took immediate action to add an independent department veterinarian to an upcoming voyage to the Middle East as an observer, to monitor and record the health and welfare of the animals on board. The department also applied additional specific conditions for subsequent voyages including (but not limitedto):reduced stocking density and improved ventilation adding an additional accredited stockman on top of the current practice of two accredited stockman· requiring the first port of discharge to be Kuwait when travelling to multiple Middle Eastern ports, providing more space for remaining livestock heading towards higher humidityports.
The Hon David Littleproud MP, Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources announced a range of initiatives designed to increase transparency and culture within the live export industry and its regulation. These initiatives included: a whistleblower hotline to enable confidential reporting of suspected breaches a review into the investigative capacity, powers and culture of the independent regulator for live exports, the department an announcement on 10 April 2018 of a short, sharp independent review into the export of sheep to the Middle East during the northern hemisphere summer.
The review was tasked to advise on conditions and any changes to the administration of the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (Version 2.3) (ASEL) and/or actions that would be required to assure the health and welfare outcomes for sheep being transported to the Middle East during the northern hemisphere summer. Specifically, the terms of reference were to: recommend any changes and/or additions to the conditions within approved arrangements that would be required to assure animal health and welfare if the trade were to continue. This would include, but not be limited to, conditions addressing:
o stocking density (and if Heat Stress Risk Assessment model stocking density levels were maintained, what additional measures would be required to achieve health and welfare outcomes)
o bedding and animal wastemanagement
o ventilation (including potential use of air-conditioning) and the assessment of heat stressrisk
o livestock systems for feed andwater
o thecompetencyofcrew,provisionofstockmenandroleoftheAAVinmanaging animal health andwelfare
o morbidity and mortalitymanagement
o contingencyplanning
o reporting.
· evaluateandreviewtheconditions(asspecifiedinapprovedarrangements)thathave been placed on voyages in previous northern hemisphere summers and more recently in the lead up to the 2018 northern hemisphere summer, and recommend anyrevisions
· identifyanyimprovementsintheadministrationofASEL,includingbutnotlimitedto:
o the department’s interactions with AMSA for vesselapproval
o the effectiveness of current reporting requirements for vets and exporters (including other specific animal welfare outcomeindicators)
o additional assurance that approved arrangements are beingmet.
The live animal export industry is important for Australia being a significant economic contributor to both the national economy and regional Australia.
InadditionthereisacomprehensivereviewoftheAustralianStandardsfortheExportof Livestock(ASEL)byapanelofexpertscurrentlyinprogressthatcommencedinFebruary 2018.
The industry has a chequered history. There are many tales of high mortality heat stress eventsincurredonvoyagestotheMiddleEast,particularlyintheearlyopendeckvessels. There are many sources of data for those wishing to plot mortality over time and/or analyse mortality patterns. They are not included in thisreview.
5. Purpose
To advise on conditions (as specified in approved arrangements), any changes to the administration of ASEL and/or actions that would be required to assure health and welfare outcomes for sheep being transported to the Middle East during the northern hemisphere summer.
6. Coverage
The review has considered the best evidence in the time available, including consideration of the scientific literature, recent live sheep export-related video footage, reports from observers on recent vessels and other relevant information.
6.1 Approved arrangements
Approved arrangements have good and bad points. Approved arrangements provide a great deal more flexibility and are cost effective in a world of full cost recovery. They are supported by legislation but require a greater degree of trust and accordingly there are more opportunities to exploit vulnerabilities in the regulatory framework.
It is the charter of this review to recommend any changes and/or additions to the conditionswithinapprovedarrangementsthatwouldberequiredtoassureanimal health and welfare if the trade were to continue. In essence, these arrangements areeitherontopof,orsupportingof,theASELrequirements.However,noamount
of additional conditions will provide any sort of fix if the fundamentals are not addressed.
It is an expectation, that if exporters conduct themselves in keeping with the ASEL standards, that animal welfare will be assured. A review of ASEL is underway, and this review, which underpins ‘approved arrangements’, is an important part of the overall ASEL review process.
6.1.1 Ventilation and the assessment of heat stress
Livestock vessels rely on mechanical ventilation. This ventilation has three tasks:
· One is to remove the heat and water vapor produced by theanimal.
· Another is to lift moisture from the sheep manurepad.
· The final task is to remove any possible build-up of noxiousgases.
These tasks can be quantified and framed as the work required for each cubic metre of air as it passes through the hold.
Ventilation is measured in a number of different ways and the design of ventilation systems varies. The traditional measure of ventilation has been exchangesperhour(eph).Anephof60indicatesthattheairwithinthehold is exchanged 60 times in an hour. It also indicates that it will be in the hold for one minute and has only one minute to undertake the tasks described above.
A further measure of ventilation is pen air turnover (PAT). This is measured asm3/hourpersquaremetreofpenspace.Itisameasureofairflow.Itdoes not, however, consider ventilation design and is only concerned with the amountofairflowingthroughthehold,notthewayinwhichitisdelivered.
The PAT does, however, link airflow to the pen area and therefore links airflow to the animals based on their stocking density. This is the central premiseoftheHSRAmodel.Themodelincludesanimalfactorssuchaswool length, fatness, category, body weight and acclimatisation. These animal factors dictate the animal’s heat stress tolerance. The model then assumes a distribution curve of tolerance within the mobs involved. Weather data for different times of the year is used to anticipate the likelihood of a heat stress event. A jetting factor is also applied that partly reflects the vessel’s ventilation design. Risk is then calculated on the basis of a probability of a mortalityrate.
Regardless of how the model has been operating, there is an argument to suggestthatthissettingshouldbereduced(eitherintermsofprobabilityor in terms of the mortality) and, in keeping with a more welfare orientated focus, it has also been suggested that the mortality risk setting be replaced by a setting that reflects the likelihood of an animal experiencing heat stress. It is strongly recommended that both these suggestions be adopted goingforward.
Some ventilation designs are better than others and the way in which airflowisdeliveredisequallyasimportantashowmuchairisdelivered.This is not directly implicit in the PAT measurement. A further measure, a minimum airspeed within the pen of 0.5m/sec is adopted by the Australian MaritimeSafetyAuthority(AMSA).Thismeasurereflectsboththemixingof air (i.e. air distribution) and indirectly predicates a minimum airflow. It is, however, a minimum and does not have the capacity to link to the animal (and/or stocking density) and provide any sort of riskassessment.
Although it is embedded in the department’s regulatory framework, and is a condition of ASEL, the industry HSRA model is owned by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA)/LiveCorp with intellectual property considerations in regards to the model’s author. Most of the workings of the model are explained in the series of industry specific final reports surrounding the subject.
Theindustrymodelisbasedontheprincipleofthewetbulbrise.Thisisthe rise in wet bulb temperature that occurs between the time the air comes into the hold and the time it leaves and reflects the heat and water vapour addedtotheairinthecourseofcoolingtheanimal.ThehigherthePATthe lower the wet bulb rise. Doubling the PAT halves the wet bulb rise. The anticipatedriseisaddedtotheambientwetbulbtemperature(theambient challenge) and this is then compared to the animal’s tolerance. If the wet bulb challenge exceeds the tolerance level, heat stress will eventually ensue.
It is vital, therefore, that the claimed PAT of a vessel is accurate, since this will dictate the extent of stocking density reduction that might be required to ensure that the heat tolerance levels are not exceeded. Halving the stocking density will halve the wet bulb rise and this may stop the overall challenge from exceeding critical levels.
Inherent in the model is the heat stress threshold. This is a contentious measure and there are several definitions in the literature. In the construct oftheHSRAmodelitisthepointatwhichanimalsgofromsheddingheatby passive means to utilising more active means to remove heat from their body(i.e.raisingtheirrespiratoryrateandorsweatinginthecaseofcattle). Itisnotthepointatwhichanimalsareheatstressed.Thiswillcoincidewith a slight rise in core body temperature as part of what is a normal and perfectlynaturalphysiologicalresponse.Thisisthetriggertoengagefurther heat loss mechanisms. Without the ability to ‘buffer’ heat in the form of heat load, animals would have to match their heat loss mechanisms to the heat challenge in a way that would be far too precise to meet their normal dailyactivities.
Disregarding, for now, the issue of duration of exposure, the question then becomes ‘what level of exposure to heat should be deemed acceptable?’. Sheep,becausetheyaresolimitedinthewayinwhichtheyshedheatfrom their skin, have developed an extraordinary mechanism by which to shed heat from their body. Under challenge, sheep have the unusualability to
divert a large part of their normal blood flow to their nasal turbinates, and this, combined with an elevated respiratory rate is a highly effective heat loss mechanism. The extent to which they can divert blood flow is quite staggering. Sheep can divert up to 30% of their blood flow through their turbinates and upper respiratory tract (Hales, 1967) in order to shed heat. Giventhisextraordinaryadaptation,anelevatedrespiratoryrateshouldnot be seen in the same way as it would for say, a human or evencattle.
There is a point, however, above which the welfare of the sheep is compromised and the Table 1 provides a basis upon which to make this assessment. This has been adapted from earlier tables. A heat stress score of5hasbeenremovedsincethisisthepointatwhichananimalisessentially moribund. A heat stress score of 3 depicts the onset of heatstress.
Without going into detail, the experimental work undertaken at Murdoch University (Stockman, 2007 and Barnes et al 2011) provides additional physiology to the above scores in terms of shifts in core body temperature, electrolyte balance (respiratory alkalosis) and other parameters.
In keeping with a focus on welfare, this becomes the new tolerance limit within the industry HSRA model. The risk setting then becomes a 2% probability that 5% of the sheep will become heat stressed (heat stress score 3). This aligns with the allowable stocking fraction with the animal criterion backed away by 25% (from mortality limit toward the heat stress threshold).Itisrecommendedthatthisrisksettingbeincorporatedintothe newversionoftheindustryHSRAmodel(version5)andthatthisbeutilised on all voyages carrying sheep to the Middle East during of the forthcoming northern hemisphere summer.
Figure 1: (Not shown)The allowable stocking fraction with the animal criterion backed away from mortality limit 25% of the way to the heat stress threshold.
Source: Work commissioned by MLA/LiveCorp ‘Effect of livestock heat stress risk standard on stocking densities for sheep on live export vessels’
Duration of exposure is an important dynamic in the development of heat stress. Without respite, sheep will take on heat load, and if this becomes excessive they may succumb to heat stress. On this basis, sustained exposure to heat may become just as intolerable as a short burst of severe heatstress,andthisisimportantwhentheriskisbeingsimplycomparedto a wet bulb temperature. The industry HSRA model does not factor the duration of exposure in its current form. It is recommended that duration of exposure be included in the HSRA model in any future version, and that this version be available for the 2019 northern hemispheresummer.
The mechanical ventilation system used on livestock vessels works on very high air turnovers. Air conditioning has been contemplated on many an occasion but it requires a low air turnover, and often the recycling of air to be effective (and/or cost effective). With the current available technology, this is not an option on livestock vessels. High turnovers are required to remove gases and lift moisture from the pad.
As mentioned previously, the HSRA model does not currently include a robust measure that relates to ventilation design (or the way in which air is deliveredintothehold).Thejettingcolumnwithinthemodelcouldbeused to factor ventilation design and it is recommended that this be included in afurtherupgradeoftheHSRAmodelbeundertakenandbemadeavailable for the 2019 northern hemispheresummer.
Best Resource(s):
Barnes,A,Beatty,D,Taylor,E,Stockman,C,Maloney,S,McCarthy,M(2004) Physiology of Heat Stress in Cattle and Sheep (LIVE.209). Prepared by Murdoch University forMLA/Livecorp.
MAMIC Pty Ltd (2000) Investigation of Ventilation Efficacy on Livestock Vessels—Final Report (SBMR.002A). Prepared for MLA/Livecorp.
MAMIC/Maunsell Pty Ltd (2003) Development of a Heat Stress Risk Assessment Model (LIVE.116). Prepared for MLA/Livecorp.
Further reading:
………. refer to list of references in the appendices.
Table 1. (Not Shown) An amalgamation of heat stress indicators
Itisagreedbyallpartiesthattheindustry mustmovefromariskassessmentbasedonmortalitytoariskassessmentbasedon animalwelfare. ItisrecommendedthattheindustryHSRAmodelaccommodatethisbyamovefromthemortalitylimit(ML)toaheattolerancelevelandadopt the above table to determine the acceptable tolerancelevel.
It is recommended that the model adopt the view that subjecting sheep to a heat stress score of 3 (as described in the table above) is unacceptable.Thereisnoindustryspecificresearchthatdirectlycorrelatesthistoleranceleveltoapercentageofthemortalitylimitutilizedby theHSRAmodelandmostoftheshorebasedexperimentalworkfactoredthedurationofexposureandheatload.Basedonextrapolation,and toassurethewelfareofthesheep,anassumptionof75%ofthedifferencebetweentheheatstressthreshold(HST)andthemortalitylimit(ML) would appear to be the best fit. A lower level of assurance could be considered but this would require validation. Note that the relationship between heat stress score and wet bulb temperature (as a percentage of the ML within the model) may not belinear.
TheHSTasdefinedwithintheconstructofthemodelisthepointatwhich animalsmovefromdissipatingheatviapassivemeanstoneedingto use more active methods such as panting. It is used to benchmark animals across all categories within the model. As an interim measure, it is recommended that the existing settings of a 2% probability of 5% remain the same but that the mortality limit be replaced by a tolerance limit that corresponds to a heat stress score of 3 (as stated above). These settings, however, should be reviewed annually by a suitably appointed independent task force (or ASEL review technical consultative committee in the interim). It should be noted that this does not infer that it is acceptable for 5% of the sheep to be severely affected, but reflects that there is a very low probability of ithappening.
It is anticipated that this new setting will impose significant restrictions on many vessels wishing to participate in the trade during the northern hemisphere summer period, depending on the month, their ventilation capabilities, the cargo they intend carrying and the destinations involved. Verification of the vessel’s PAT information.
6.1.2 Verification of a vessel’s PATinformation
An independent, one-off audit of a vessel’s PAT information prior to travelling to the Middle East in the northern hemisphere summer, is a strong recommendation from the ASEL Review Technical Advisory Committee. Furthermore, it is recommended that a relevant government agency keep a record of which vessels have been validated. AMSA may be themostlogicalagencysinceAMSAisresponsibleforthevessel’sprovision of services of which ventilation is probably the mostimportant.
When contemplating a vessel charter, the fact that the vessel’s PAT information has been independently verified would be a condition within an approved arrangement going forward.
Best resources:
MAMIC,PL(2002)PracticalVentilationMeasuresforLivestockVessels.MLA and Livecorp No. ISBN: 1 74036 118 0, Sydney, NSW,Australia.
MAMIC Pty Ltd (2000) Investigation of Ventilation Efficacy on Livestock Vessels—Final Report (SBMR.002A). Prepared for MLA/Livecorp.
Further reading:
………. refer to list of references in the appendices.
6.1.3 Stockingdensity
As mentioned, stocking density is the key parameter when shipping livestock in the northern hemisphere summer. There are two densities involved. The first is that adopted before the HSRA model imposes any further restrictions, and the second is the density dictated by the HSRA model.
Itisrecommendedthatan‘allometric’approachbeadoptedbytheindustry for the forthcoming northern hemisphere summer with a k-value of 0.033. This is the “threshold below which there are consistent adverse effects on welfare outcomes in intensive housing”. These terms have been extracted from the paper by Petherick and Philips (Petherick and Philips, 2009) entitled “Space allowances for confined livestock and their determination from ‘allometric’ principles”. The review found no science to refute this allocation of space. A lesser k-value of 0.027 provides sufficient space for animalstostandandliedownbutdoesnot,accordingtotheauthors,allow free access to troughs and assure “no adverse effects on welfare outcomes in intensive housing”. There is a small case to suggest that the shipping of sheeptotheMiddleEastisactuallytransportratherthanhousing,however
this might only apply on voyages that are much shorter in duration than those to the Middle East.
Intheabsenceofanyrefutingscience,andasaninterimmeasure,ak-value of 0.033 would appear the best fit if the welfare of the sheep is to be assured. A lower level of assurance could be contemplated but it is not backed by science at this point intime.
The density dictated by the HSRA model throughout the northern hemisphere summer has been outlined earlier. Both these densities should be reviewed by a suitably selected task force before the next northern hemisphere summer.
Stocking density is more than heads of livestock. It relates to both heads of livestock and weight. The current ASEL does not specify whether weight refers to an empty body weight, a curfew weight (12 hour curfew) or a full weight.Therecanbeuptoa12%differenceintheseweights.Thisobviously hasalargebearingontheeffectivestockingdensityoncetheanimalsarein the pens. It is suggested that the ASEL Review Technical Advisory Committee address this anomaly. Verification of weights should be a part any future approved arrangement, whether as overall weight or as ‘spot checks’basedontheprincipleofwhattheindustryterms‘pencilshrink’(i.e. adjusted forcurfew).
Space allocation for an animal is described in terms of area measured in square metres (m2). The body weight of an animal can be used to calculate the volume of an animal. Petherick 2007 and Petherick and Phillips 2009 indicate a formula for determining the space allocation for an animal as:
A = kW0.66 where A is area in m2; k is a constant and W is the weight of the animal (Source: Petherick 2007 and Petherick and Phillips 2009)
The review recommends that space allocation per sheep for sheep exports during the northern hemisphere summer be based on allometric principles basedonak-valueof0.033,orasmuchspaceasisrequiredbytheindustry HSRA model. This increase in space will assure the health and welfare for sheepbeingtransportedtotheMiddleEastduringthenorthernhemisphere summer.
Table 2. (Not Shown) A comparison of minimum ASEL area (May to October) to an allometric space allocation based on k = 0.033
Figure 2. (Not Shown) Representation of amenity afforded by additional space
In general, terms, stocking density can be thought about in terms of amenity. At current ASEL densities, the provision of say 10% more space adds considerable amenity. However, the additional of further space adds disproportionately less amenity until the pointwhereadditionalspaceaddslittleextraamenity.Thisissimplyalawofdiminishing returns.Attheotherendofthescale,a10%increaseinstockingdensity(overandabove ASEL) could actually become life threatening to the weaker sheep in the pen. Figure 2 depicts the general principle involved using space allocation for a 50kgsheep.
Best resources:
Petherick, JC (2007) Spatial requirements of animals: Allometry and beyond.
Journal of Veterinary Behavior 2, 197–204.
Petherick, JC, Phillips, CJC (2009) Space allowances for confined livestock and their determination from allometric principles. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 117, 1–12.
Ferguson, D, Lea, J (2013) Refining stocking densities (W.LIV.0253). Prepared by CSIRO Animal, Food & Health Sciences for MLA/LiveCorp.
Further reading:
………. refer to list of references in the appendices.
6.1.4 Bedding (pad) management
For the most part, the sheep pad makes for excellent bedding. There is no need for additional sawdust or any other bedding additive under normal circumstances.Therehasbeen,however,somegoodworkwithinthecattle export trade whereby the cattle pad is being extended (interms of time) to enable voyages to China to be completed without undertaking a wash down. On these voyages, depending on the stocking density, bedding conditions can remain very dry and this is a sound management strategy (best practice) particularly when conditions at the destination arecold.
The key to this strategy is either to put down abundant sawdust at the commencementofthevoyage,or addsawdustonastrategicbasistoareas that need it as the voyage progresses. This same strategy may have a place in the sheep trade where some pad areas are known to deteriorate. Sawdust could be spread in these areas, either at the voyage outset, or strategically as the voyage progresses. It is not suggested that sawdust be used on a routine basis for the entire cargo. This could be part of an exporter’s heat stress management plan but is unlikely to be a condition within an approvedarrangement.
Best resources:
McCarthy, MR, Banhazi, T (2016) Bedding management and air quality on livestock vessels – A literature review (W.LIV.0290). Prepared by Global Livestock Solutions Pty Ltd for MLA/LiveCorp.
Further reading:
……… refer to list of references in the appendices.
6.1.5 The role of the Australian Government Accredited Veterinarian and the observer
From an industry point of view, an IO is an important part of regaining the trust of the general public, the regulators and any other interested parties.
It is strongly recommended that an IO, reporting directly to the regulator, be appointed for all voyages carrying sheep to the Middle East during the forthcoming northern hemisphere summer.
The caveat on this, is that the reporting and feedback of the IO must be actively received by someone who knows something about live exporting
and converts the information into something constructive, and/or takes action about any observed discrepancies (e.g. wool length).
Freed of the reporting responsibility, the AAV would act far more in the interests of the exporter, ship and the voyage outcome generally. There is no question that a competent veterinarian, supported by a competent stockman (or the other way around) are able to work with ship’s crew on a regularbasistoimprovetheoverallmanagementoflivestockonthevessel.
Central to this debate is the question of what qualifications, training, knowledgeandskillsmightberequiredtoenableboththeveterinarianand theobservertodotheirjobs.Furthertothat,whattoolsmighttheyrequire, and further to that, what information do they need to do their respective jobs. For example, in regards to the northern hemisphere summer, and in recognitionoftheimportanceofventilationduringthisperiod,theAAVand the observer should be expected to be familiar with the principles inherent in the heat stress risk assessment model and be provided with tools that allow him/her to measure key aspects of ventilation. This mightinclude:
· a hand-heldCO2monitorthatallowstheveterinariantodetectandmap less ventilated areas
· hand-held temperature and humidity readers can confirm the wet bulb rise in specific areas of theship
· data loggers that provide a continuous measurement of wet bulb temperature
· an anemometer to measure air speed together with a suitable tape measure to measure vent areas is alsouseful.
These skills are not meant to take the place of an engineer, but the ability to undertake certain basic tasks assists greatly in the overall understanding of the onboard environment.
The AAV and the observer should also be given the information they need to do the job. This might include a ventilation plan that designates PAT to eachdeckand/orhold,acopyoftheHSRAprintoutandtheweightsforeach line of sheep.
They should take an active interest in continuing education and be familiar withthekeyindustryspecificresearchthatisrelevanttothatparticulartime of year.
The IO should be prepared for his/her task in a very similar way. There are complexitiesinvolvedindefiningtheserolesanditwasnotpossibletotease theseoutintheshorttimeframethatismadeavailableforthisreview.Itis suggested, therefore, that a small taskforce be formed, representing the various stakeholders, to better determine, describe and integrate the anticipated roles, responsibilities and activities for each of the respective parties(AAV,IOandpossiblystockman).Itislikelythatthiswillevolveover time.
Best resources:
Brightling, T, Chapman, C, Reeves, P (2004) Livestock exports – Best practice use of veterinary drugs. Prepared for MLA/Livecorp.
Further reading:
………. refer to list of references in the appendices.
6.1.6 Provision of Australianstockmen
Good things can be achieved with the combination of a good accredited stockman and AAV that have the ability to engage with the crew and ship management. The number of stockmen then becomes a peripheral issue and relates more to other facets such as scabby mouth disease or other manningissues.Focussingontheimportantthingsthateliminate(orreduce thelikelihoodtoaminisculelevel)thechanceofthecrisisdevelopinginthe first place is far lessreactive.
6.1.7 Mortalitymanagement
Mortality, is unfortunately a reality in the livestock production system. The onboard management of mortality is important to both the health and welfare of the animals as well as the crew.
On most vessels, the crew will conduct a mortality ‘round’ once or twice a day. Twice a day is recommended since this results in a much tidier vessel and allows earlier detection of moribund sheep (should they be present). Dead or moribund sheep will be removed from the pens and placed in an area that is suitable to conduct post mortems. Moribund sheep are euthanised.
Sick or injured sheep will also be removed during this inspection process and moved to a hospital pen. Care should be taken at all times to ensure that the process of removing sheep does not unwittingly cause harm to those sheep remaining in the pen.
Having conducted post mortems on those sheep that are suitable, the bodies are then removed. The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) has clear instructions about the disposal of dead animals—this direction appears in several places in export regulations.
In this regard, the Persian Gulf is a special case. The Persian Gulf has been designated a special zone. In this case, any bodies must either remain on the ship, or be put through a hogger. Leaving bodies on the ship (for the duration of the final part of the voyage) is macabre and a serious threat to human health. It is not an option. All ships travelling to the Persian Gulf ports should be fitted with a serviceable hogger. In addition to this, where the use of a hogger is not permitted, a refrigerated container should be available to hold bodies for as long as required. This should be mandatory. Itisimperativethatthedirectioninthisregardisclarifiedbytheauthorities. The requirement for the hogger and the refrigerated container should be
included in the approved arrangements for all voyages travelling to the Middle East during the northern hemisphere summer. AMSA should be made aware that this has been made a condition within any approved arrangement.
It is normal practice to collect the ear tag information of all mortalities to contribute to the understanding of line effects and/or correlate with cause of mortality (see later). A cause of mortality distribution should be determined that relates both the actual post mortems undertaken (with or without diagnoses) as well as an estimated distribution based on the total number. In the ‘new world’ industry should expect a low mortality on an average sized vessel per voyage (and be taking steps to actively reduce this over time).
The use of electronic identification of sheep in sheep has been suggested andthishasmerit.Thecollationofinformationischallenging,buttheremay be many points at which electronic identification may bebeneficial.
Best resources:
MARPOL Annex V (Regulations for the prevention of pollution by garbage from ships)
6.1.8 Reportable level
Thecurrentreportablelevelforsheepisamortalityof2%.Notwithstanding that mortality may not be the measure of the future, a 2% mortality on a voyage that involves 70,000 sheep is 1,400 sheep. Events are long past the point whereby the industry (exporters) could expect the Australian public to consider this to be acceptable. Even 1% (i.e. 700 sheep) seems high. It is therefore recommended that the reportable level be reduced to 1% immediatelyandbemaintainedat1%throughouttheforthcomingnorthern hemispheresummerperiod.Thismaynothaveabigimpactonthenumber of reportable voyages since the vast majority of voyages are below this level,butitprovidesastrongsignalthattheindustryisseriousaboutmaking improvements.
Mostoftheanswers,inregardstominimisingmortalityareknown.Industry has conducted a large body of ‘industry specific research’ that addresses most of the industry problems. Reducing the reportable mortality level raisesthevalueofthisresearchandplacesagreaterimperativeonadopting and implementing thefindings.
A reduced reportable level could require more resources if existing investigation procedures are maintained and behaviour remains unaltered. The most likely scenario, however, is that behavior would be modified and thenumberofreportableincidentswouldremainunchangedormorelikely fall.
Best resources:
Norman, GJ (2017) National livestock export industry sheep, cattle and goat transport performance report 2016 (W.LIV.0291). Prepared by: Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia for MLA (MLA/LiveCorp).
Norris, RT, Norman, GJ (2003) Mortality and morbidity risk factors for livestock during sea transport from Australia (LIVE.216). Prepared by the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia for MLA/LiveCorp.
6.1.9 Reporting
It is highly likely that the existing reporting procedures will be overhauled, particularly if the industry moves to having IOs report directly to the regulator.ItisenvisagedthattheAAVwillcontinuetoreportdirectlytothe exporter. Information that is required by the regulator (e.g. post mortem and treatment details) will be shared with theIO.
In general, the existing reporting system is probably outdated and new technology is available that may revolutionise the reporting process, particularly with the advent of automated environmental monitoring. Digital data capture using a hand held device has been trialed within the industry and has shown promise.
Automated, continuous monitoring of temperature and humidity, sent to the bridge with the assistance of Wi-Fi technology, will allow real time measurement that has the potential to create alerts and provide clear graphicalrepresentationofconditionsovertheprevious24hours(ormore). Thiscombinedwithimprovedweatherforecastingservicesmakesavailable possibilities that have never before beencontemplated.
It is, therefore, folly to try to be too prescriptive about reporting at this point. The whole landscape should be mapped out and studied by those withknowledgeoftheequipmentrequiredandtheinformationtechnology involved. This could be commissioned as an industry fundedproject.
Best resources:
McCarthy, MR, Banhazi, T (2016) Bedding management and air quality on livestock vessels – A literature review (W.LIV.0290). Prepared by Global Livestock Solutions Pty Ltd for MLA/LiveCorp.
Further reading:
………. refer to list of references in the appendices.
6.1.10 Panting score
Thedevelopmentofabetterpantingscoreforsheepisanindustrypriority. This has been discussed under an earlier heading. When combined with a heat stress score, a panting score is a powerful measure that provides strongvalidationandfeedbackinformationtoboththeHSRAmodelaswell astoallthestakeholdersinvolvedinanindividualvoyage.Automated,
continuous monitoring of both temperature and humidity completes the picture. A panting score characterises the panting and considers more than just respiratory rate. This must be a robust measure since, in the ‘new world’, it becomes the measure against which outcomes are judged.
Theuseofbothapantingscoreandaheatstressscoreshouldbemandatory in the reporting process. This may need a small taskforce, funded by industry, to ensure that the allocation of scores is consistent across the industry.
Best resources:
McCarthy, MR (2003) Pilot Monitoring of Shipboard Environmental Conditions and Animal Performance (LIVE.223). Prepared by Professional Agricultural Services Pty Ltd for MLA/Livestock.
Barnes, A, Beatty, D, Taylor, E, Stockman, C, Maloney, S, McCarthy, M (2004) Physiology of Heat Stress in Cattle and Sheep (LIVE.209). Prepared by Murdoch University for MLA/Livecorp.
Further reading:
………. refer to list of references in the appendices.
6.1.11 Animal welfare indicators
Theuseofanimalwelfareindicatorsisarecentinitiativeassociatedwithan MLA-funded research program. It has been strongly endorsed by the Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council (ALEC), who wish to use it as a tool to better animalwelfare.
The welfare indicator project has made a tentative start and not made any outlandish promises in terms of delivery. It will take some time to find the keydriversthatdeliversimpleindicatorsofwelfareand/orcontributetothe overall management of the sheep on the vessel. The welfare project has a great deal to offer, but it is yet to be seen as to whether the indicators involved will contribute to the IO role specified by the regulator or vice versa. It is unlikely that the welfare indicators will have any involvement in the regulatory framework at this point oftime.
Best resources:
Collins, T (2018) ‘Qualitative Behavioural Assessment: a novel tool for
welfare evaluation, Proceedings of the ACV Annual Conference’ Fremantle, Australia.
Wickham, Fleming, Collins (2017) ‘Development and assessment of Livestock Welfare Indicators Survey’ (Project code W.LIV.3032) (MLA)
Further reading:
………. refer to list of references in the appendices.
6.1.12 Woollength
Woollengthisanimportant,andoftenoverlookedaspectofshippingsheep to the Middle East in the northern hemisphere summer. It is an important inputintotheHSRAmodelandaffectsthemodel’scalculation.Itisstrongly recommendedthatthewoollengthcategoriesarere-visitedinanyrevisions of the HSRAmodel.
Careful attention to wool length should therefore be part of the conditions of an approved arrangement. ‘Off shears’ sheep are far more heat tolerant and insisting that all sheep be ‘off shears’ could be a condition of an approved arrangement in special cases. Otherwise it would be left to the HSRA model to factor wool length along with all the other animal factors.
Best resources:
MAMIC/Maunsell Pty Ltd (2003) Development of a Heat Stress Risk Assessment Model (LIVE.116). Prepared for MLA/Livecorp.
Further reading:
………. refer to list of references in the appendices.
6.1.13 Livestock vessel systems for feed and water
The provision of feed and water come under the oversight of AMSA. This is dealt with under the provision of livestock services. There is some debate about the relative merits of automatic versus manual feeding. Bothmanual and automatic feeding can be managed so that feeding can be ad lib. Care must be taken, when feeding ad lib, to ensure that fines (powdered fodder pellets) do not accumulate in the feedtroughs.
Waterisslightlydifferent.Whereasmanualwateringisoftenusedoncattle voyages to South East Asia, there is no doubt that automatic watering removesonelevelofriskwhentransportingsheeptotheMiddleEastduring the northern hemisphere summer. This issue has been somewhat resolved since all the vessels travelling to the Middle East with sheep are now equipped with automatic wateringsystems.
6.1.14 Competency of the crew
The Awassi Express heat stress incident has brought into question the competency of the crew. Without being present, it is difficult to comment, however, this would seem to be a distorted view of what is more likely to be a situation where the crew were asked to perform well above their call of duty over a sustained period of time. This tests morale and the management capabilities.
Competency, however, should be a given. The tasks for most stockmen (crew) are not complicated and most work under the direction of a boson or Tindall. Ships vary in regards to how well they are managed and the relationship between the Captain, Chief Officer and Boson is key. It is not recommended that any formal competency evaluation be required at this point of time.
6.1.15 Heat stress management (morbidity) and contingency planning
Heatstress(ifandwhenitoccurs)isdifficulttocontendwithsincethereare only a limited number of things that can be done. There is a sense of powerlessness as the situation becomes overwhelmed by factors that cannot be controlled (at that point). The secret is to do as much as can be physically done to prepare for a heat stress event (again, should it occur). These include subtle adjustments in stocking density, removal of anything that obstructs airflow in and around the decks, checking the fans (on the coverdeck)toensuretheyareworkingatfullcapacity,ensuringallgratings (that are used as exhaust outlets) are free ofobstruction.
Measures to address heat stress should be included in a heat stress management plan. This could consider adjustment in feeding (and this is commonplace in feedlots on land) where feedstuffs with a low heat increment can be fed (chaff on livestock vessels). Access to water is obviously essential and it is important not to disturb the animals lest they stop panting to deal with higher order priorities. These are the one percentersthatmakeadifference,butclearly,theaimistonotbeplacedin thissituationinthefirstplace.Itisrecommendedthatallexporterspresent a meaningful heat stress management plan a part of their approved arrangements.
The heat stress management plan should address the following contingencies:
· being held at anchor awaiting clearance to goalongside
· adverse weather conditions that hold the vessel at anchor (e.g. strong cross winds across channels orfog)
· rough weather that stops the pilot fromarriving
· unforeseen reasons that hold the vessel alongside prior tounloading
· radiant heat sources that are not factored into the HSRAmodel
· prolonged exposure to hot conditions that are not factored into the HSRAmodel
· inability to zig zag to maintain airflow across open decks due restrictionswithinseachannels(i.e.throughtheBabelMandebandthe Straits of Hormuz). This can also occur in heavy shipping zones in anchorage zones and on enteringport.
Best resources:
Barnes,A,Beatty,D,Taylor,E,Stockman,C,Maloney,S,McCarthy,M(2004) Physiology of Heat Stress in Cattle and Sheep (LIVE.209). Prepared by Murdoch University forMLA/Livecorp.
Further reading:
………. refer to list of references in the appendices.
6.1.16 First port and port unloading sequence
Thenotionoffirstportandunloadingsequencehasbeendiscussed,offand on, for some time (at least 15 years). It first became an issue when vessels would regularly call into Muscat on their way to the Gulf ports and unload a small number (usually around 5,000) of heavy shipping wethers. Since Muscat is notorious for its fickle (and very hot and humid) weather, going alongside in Muscat could push an entire shipment of sheep beyond their heat tolerance levels, and this would occur regularly. The alternative strategyistosaildirecttoKuwaitandpartlyunloadthevesselthere(where conditions are usually hot but dry) and then negotiate the vessel back throughotherGulfportsandfinallyunloadtheMuscatwetherslast.Whilst thiswouldinvolvetakingafullshipmentthroughtheStraitsofHormuz,itis a marginally less risky strategy and was, it seemed, mandatory at various points oftime.
Nevertheless, if Kuwait is a destination port it should be mandatory for the vesseltosaildirectlytoKuwaitandthennegotiatetheotherGulfportswith fewer sheep onboard.
6.1.17 The effect of winter challenges in Australia and property oforigin
The later part of the northern hemisphere summer coincides with the later part of the southern winter. This is characterised by wet, sometimes saturated conditions and a much higher risk of diseases such as Salmonellosis. The nutritional plane of sheep can be at its lowest coming out of winter, pending the spring flush of the season when sheep will often be at their strongest.
Acclimatisationalsoplaysapart,andsincethereisalaginthewayinwhich sheep adjust their metabolic rate in response to the local weather, these sheep will be the least acclimatised with the greatest difference local temperature differences between where they come from and where they are going to.
The industry has completed a strong body of research that outlines how to address Salmonellae, including prospects for a vaccine. There is scope to improve the adoption of research findings.
Salmonellosis, when it occurs, is usually found in select lines of sheep and although these lines will inevitably be mixed into the consignment as a whole, the overall prevalence is generally low (although the severity of the disease results in a high mortality within these lines). Research has shown thatcarefulattentiontothesourcingofsheepduringthelatewinterperiod has a profound effect on mortality rates and this could be fashioned into a condition within the approved arrangement. Sourcing sheep from sale yards, utilising traders to depot sheep and sourcing sheep from pastoral areas during the late winter period, have all been shown to contribute strongly to mortality levels.
This applies equally when addressing inanition. There search would indicate that there is a strong link between a subclinical Salmonellae and inanition but there is also evidence that it can have a link to metabolic factors(i.e.the homeorhetic switch being the orchestrated or coordinated control of metabolism needed to support a physiological state). Inanition is a feature of older, heavier and generally fatter merino wethers. It is not suggested that these be excluded from consignments at this point of time, since the risk assessment model will address many aspects in this regard, but consignments that include a significant number of this category of sheep should attract additionalscrutiny.
Best resources:
Makin, K, House, J, Perkins, N, Curran, G (2010) Investigating mortality in sheep and lambs exported through Adelaide and Portland (B.LIVE.0123). Prepared by the University of Sydney for MLA/LiveCorp.
Further reading:
………. refer to list of references in the appendices.
6.1.18 Improved environmental monitoring
The current environmental monitoring on board livestock vessels is conducted manually, once a day, using either a whirling hygrometer or by reading wet and dry bulb thermometers at strategic sites around the ship. Better methods are available and have been suggested to the industry. Automatedmeasurementofbothtemperatureandhumidity,withrealtime measurements being relayed directly to the bridge would seem to be a sensible (and indeed minimum)requirement.
A more robust method of measuring temperature and humidity isessential toanyvalidationprocessesrelatingtoeithertheHRSAmodelortheindustry welfare indicators. The time frame is such that it is unlikely automated monitoring could be installed on vessels for this northern hemisphere summer. A requirement that all vessels travelling to the Middle East during the northern hemisphere summer have automated continuous environmentalmonitoringequipmentinstalled,couldbeaconditionwithin approved arrangements in any subsequentsummer.
Best resources:
Gray, J, Banhazi, TM, Kist, A C Saunders, T Banhazi (Eds) (2013) 'Review of wireless communication technologies for environmental monitoring in livestock buildings, SEAg 2013.' Perth, Australia. (EA).
McCarthy, MR (2003) Pilot Monitoring of Shipboard Environmental Conditions and Animal Performance (LIVE.223). Prepared by Professional Agricultural Services Pty Ltd for MLA/Livestock.
Further reading:
………. refer to list of references in the appendices.
6.1.19 Training
In general, there is a need to better understand the workings of the heat stress model both in principle and in practice and training aids would assist in this process (particularly in the use of both panting and heat stress scores). Since these training aids would require both resources and time, it is unlikely that they would be of much assistance during this northern hemisphere summer. It is strongly recommended, however, that work on these is commenced with a view to having as full suite in place by the 2019 northern hemisphere summer.
Best resources:
LiveCorp—The Australian Livestock Export Corporation (2016) Shipboard Stockie’s Guide 2016. Prepared by the Harris Park Group for LiveCorp.
6.1.20 Otherconsiderations
There are a number of further considerations under this heading. These tend to be ship (or supply chain) specific rather than generic and include such things as using the stowage of excess fodder to provide insulation on the cover deck where radiant heat can be a factor. It may include stowing bosindicuscattleontheportsidepensthatareexposedtoradiantheaton open decks. It may include the use of wetting on the cover deck to harness thelatentheatofevaporationandcooltheuppermostdecks.Thesearethe one percenters that can make big differences provided that the fundamentals have been properly applied. These initiatives might be listed in the heat stress management plan included as part of an approved arrangement. They are not likely to be part of any formalorders.
6.1.21 Conditions in the receiving country
This is outside the terms of reference of the review. It is however, very important and carries equal weight to any considerations in regards to shipboardconditionsandconditionsatthefeedlotsindestinationcountries maynotnecessarilyreflectweatherdatacollectedforthedestinationports.
Infrastructure‘incountry’hasimprovedandthereisbetteraccesstoshade and better attempts to cool animals during and after arrival. There have beenMLAfundedstudiesintotheseconditions(somewithreportspending) but they have not been included in thisreview.
One of the big hazards in regards to the conditions in the receiving country istheoverloadingoffeedlotfacilitiesindestinationcountriesinresponseto supply restrictions. Again, this is outside the scope of this review, but it is a real consideration and begs input from those with knowledge and experience in the region.
Whilst there is opportunity for the Livestock Global Assurance Program to foster and facilitate an international approach to animal welfare in the future, the reality of the immediate must be considered.
Best resources:
https://www.mla.com.au/research-and-development/search-rd-reports/final-report-details/Determining-Temperature-and-Humidity- Thresholds-in-sheep-exported-from-Australia-to-the-Middle-East/3575
……No pdf available
https://www.mla.com.au/research-and-development/search-rd-reports/final-report-details/Live-Export/Heat-load-in-sheep-exported-to- Middle-Eastern-feedlots/3183
……No pdf available
https://www.mla.com.au/research-and-development/search-rd-reports/final-report-details/Live-Export/Heat-Management-in-the-Middle- East/3338
……No pdf available
https://www.mla.com.au/research-and-development/search-rd-reports/final-report-details/Live-Export/Monitoring-Middle-East-feedlot- temperatures/3190
……No pdf available
6.2 Recent and previousconditions
Are view of both recent and previous conditions within the approved arrangements associated with the export of sheep to the Middle East during the northern hemisphere summer, demonstrate that the industry has already implemented appropriate initiatives into many approved arrangements.
6.3 Administration of ASEL
There is scope to improve the administration of ASEL. A higher level of thinking in theregulatoryframeworkwouldidentifymorethanjustbreachesofASEL.Itwould also identify the motive behind these breaches and consider opportunity (in terms of points of vulnerability in the regulatory framework). This, combined with a determined will to regulate should underpin the assurances that this review was tasked tooutline.
6.3.1 DAWR’s interaction with AMSA for vesselapproval.
Thereisagreatopportunitytodevelopamuchmoreintegratedrelationship betweenAMSAandDAWR.Thereisnoimpedimenttothis,andgoodwillon behalf of bothparties.
6.3.2 The effectiveness of current reporting requirements.
Reporting is currently in a state of flux. The engagement of IOs changes many of the reporting dynamics. There will be a tentative period whereby teething problems are addressed and roles and reporting responsibilities find their natural place.
6.3.3 Additional assurance that approved arrangements are being met.
There are no additional assurances required other than that the regulatory functionisundertaken.Thismustinvolvesomelevelofchecking.Giventhat resources are scarce, it is suggested that they be directed at things that actually make the most difference, and in essence that means stocking density. Random checks of weights could be considered. As mentioned previously, restricted stocking densities will require a greater level of policing.
7. Conclusions
It became apparent, very early on in the review that the industry has been shaped by a repeating cycle of reactivity. Furthermore, there has been a tendency for the regulator to focus on peripheral, easy to enforce aspects, and not the address the more difficult, core issues like stocking density.
In general, it is suggested that there be more focus on key issues, and less on peripheral issues that divert time and resources.
In keeping with this, there is no point amending (or adding) conditions to the approved arrangements,iftheregulatoryframeworkaroundtheexportofsheeptotheMiddleEast during the northern hemisphere summer isineffective.
The announced review of the regulatory capabilities and culture in the regulation of live exportswillcommenceshortly.Itisstronglysuggestedthatthistakea‘reformasyougo’ approach so that any initiatives take hold for this northern hemisphere summerperiod.
After having worked systematically through the terms of reference, the other feature that is apparent is the number of unevolved or evolving capabilities that litter the landscape. For the most part, the industry has completed a large body of quality R&D, butfartoolittleofithasbeenpickedupandturnedintosomethingoperational.Industry should take this opportunity to identify any obstruction and forge forward with new technology, much of which can transform the industry and better prepare it for the challengesahead.
8. Appendix
8.1 Further reading—List ofreferences
6.1.1: Ventilation and the assessment of heat stressrisk
Brown-Brandl, TM, Jones, DD, Woldt, WE (2005) Evaluating Modelling Techniques for Cattle Heat Stress Prediction. Biosystems Engineering91, 513–524.
Caulfield, MP, Cambridge, H, Foster, SF, McGreevy PD (2013) Heat stress: A major contributor to poor animal welfare associated with long-haul live export voyages. The Veterinary Journal 199, 223–228.
Eustace, C, Corry, S (2009) Revision of the heat stress risk assessment methodology to properly incorporate risk of heat stress while at port (B.LIV.0249). Prepared by AECOM Australia Pty Ltd for MLA/LiveCorp.
Ferguson, D, Fisher, A, White, B, Casey, R, Mayer, B (2008) Review of the Livestock Export Heat Stress Risk Assessment Model (HotStuff) (W.LIV.0262–0265).
Prepared by CSIRO for MLA/LiveCorp.
Hales JRS, Webster, MED (1967) Respiratory function during thermal tachypnoea in sheep. Journal of Physiology 190, 241–260.
MAMIC, PL (2002) Practical Ventilation Measures for Livestock Vessels. MLA and Livecorp No. ISBN: 1 74036 118 0, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
MAMIC Pty Ltd (2000) Investigation of Ventilation Efficacy on Livestock Vessels— Literature Review (SBMR.002A). Prepared for MLA/Livecorp.
MAMIC/Maunsell Pty Ltd (2004) Investigation of Ventilation Efficacy on Live Sheep Vessels (LIVE.212). Prepared for MLA/Livecorp.
Nienabar, JA, Hahn, GL (2007) Livestock production system management responses to thermal challenges. International Journal of Biometeorology 52, 149–157.
Smith, S, Eustace, C, Stacey, C (2007) Assessing a method of incorporating jetting in the HS model and its commercial implications (B.LIV.0240). Prepared by Maunsell Australia Pty Ltd for MLA/LiveCorp.
Stacey, C (2017) HotStuff V5—Improvements to the Live Export Heat Stress Risk Assessment Method (W.LIV.0277). Prepared by Stacey Agnew Pty Ltd for MLA/LiveCorp.
Stacey, C (2017) HotStuff V5 Addendum—Calculations within the Live Export Heat Stress Risk Assessment Method (W.LIV.0277). Prepared by Stacey Agnew Pty Ltd for MLA/LiveCorp.
Stacey, C (2011) HotStuff V4 Improvements to the Live Export Heat Stress Risk Assessment Method (W.LIV.0277). Prepared by Stacey Agnew Pty Ltd for MLA/LiveCorp.
6.1.2: Verification of vessel’s PATinformation
MAMIC Pty Ltd (2000) Investigation of Ventilation Efficacy on Livestock Vessels— Literature Review (SBMR.002A). Prepared for MLA/Livecorp.
MAMIC/Maunsell Pty Ltd (2003) Development of a Heat Stress Risk Assessment Model (LIVE.116). Prepared for MLA/Livecorp.
MAMIC/Maunsell Pty Ltd (2004) Investigation of Ventilation Efficacy on Live Sheep Vessels (LIVE.212). Prepared for MLA/Livecorp.
Stacey, C (2017) HotStuff V5—Improvements to the Live Export Heat Stress Risk Assessment Method (W.LIV.0277). Prepared by Stacey Agnew Pty Ltd for MLA/LiveCorp.
Stacey, C (2017) HotStuff V5 Addendum—Calculations within the Live Export Heat Stress Risk Assessment Method (W.LIV.0277). Prepared by Stacey Agnew Pty Ltd for MLA/LiveCorp.
Stacey, C (2011) HotStuff V4 Improvements to the Live Export Heat Stress Risk Assessment Method (W.LIV.0277). Prepared by Stacey Agnew Pty Ltd for MLA/LiveCorp.
6.1.3: Stocking Density
Barnes, A, Stockman, C (2008) Assessing the welfare and feeding behaviour of horned and polled sheep and cattle during export (B.LIV.0242). Prepared by Murdoch University for MLA/LiveCorp.
MAMIC/Maunsell Pty Ltd (2004) Investigation of Ventilation Efficacy on Live Sheep Vessels (LIVE.212). Prepared for MLA/Livecorp.
McCarthy, MR, Banhazi, T (2016) Bedding management and air quality on livestock vessels—A literature review (W.LIV.0290). Prepared by Global Livestock Solutions Pty Ltd for MLA/LiveCorp.
Sherwin, C and Johnson K.G. (1986) The influence of social factors on the use of shade by sheep. Journal of Applied Animal Behavioural Science 18 143–155.
Shiell, K, Perkins, N, Hewitt, L (2013) Review of ASEL Scoping Study—Export of sheep from southern ports to the Middle East in winter months (W.LIV.0284). MLA/LiveCorp.
6.1.4: Bedding (Pad) Management
Banney, S, Henderson, A, Caston, K (2009) Management of Bedding during the Livestock Export Process. MLA Final Report, SYDNEY, NSW, Australia.
6.1.5: The role of the AAV and theobserver
Barnes, A, Beatty, D, Stockman, C, Miller, D (2008) Inanition of Sheep—Literature Review (LIVE.243). Prepared by Murdoch University for MLA/LiveCorp.
Makin, K, House, J, Perkins, N, Curran, G (2010) Investigating mortality in sheep and lambs exported through Adelaide and Portland (B.LIVE.0123). Prepared by the University of Sydney for MLA/LiveCorp.
Norris, RT, Norman, GJ (2003) Mortality and morbidity risk factors forlivestock during sea transport from Australia (LIVE.216). Prepared by the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia forMLA/LiveCorp.
6.1.6: Provision of Australian Stockmen
Shiell, K, Perkins, N, Hewitt, L (2013) Review of ASEL Scoping Study—Export of sheep from southern ports to the Middle East in winter months (W.LIV.0284). MLA/LiveCorp.
6.1.7: Mortality management
McCarthy, MR, Banhazi, T (2016) Bedding management and air quality on livestock vessels—A literature review (W.LIV.0290). Prepared by Global Livestock Solutions Pty Ltd for MLA/LiveCorp.
Norris, RT, Norman, GJ (2003) Mortality and morbidity risk factors forlivestock during sea transport from Australia (LIVE.216). Prepared by the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia forMLA/LiveCorp.
6.1.9: Reporting
Norman, GJ (2017) National livestock export industry sheep, cattle and goat transport performance report 2016 (W.LIV.0291). Prepared by: Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia for MLA (MLA/LiveCorp).
6.1.10: Panting score
Stockman, CA, Barnes, AL, Maloney, E, Taylor, McCarthy, M, Pethick, D (2011) Effect of prolonged exposure to continuous heat and humidity similar to long haul voyages in Merino wethers.Animal Production Science 51, 135–143.
6.1.11: Animal Welfare indicators
Colditz, IG, Ferguson, DM, Collins, T, Matthews, L, Hemsworth, PH (2014) A Prototype Tool to Enable Farmers to Measure and Improve the Welfare Performance of the Farm Animal Enterprise: The United Field Index. Animals4, 446–462.
Fleming, T, Clarke, T, Wickham, S, Stockman, C, Collins, T, Miller, D, Barnes, A (2015) Animal Behaviour as a measure of animal welfare. 2015 Research Findings in the School of Veterinary & Life Sciences 2.01, 1–2.
Phillips, CJC, Pines, MK, Latter, M, Muller, T, Petherick, JC, Norman, ST, Gaughan, JB (2012) Physiological and behavioral responses of sheep to gaseous ammonia. Journal of Animal Science 90, 1562–1569.
Phillips, CJC, Santurtun, E (2013) The welfare of livestock transported by ship. The Veterinary Journal 196, 309–314.
Pines, M, Petherick, C, Gaughan, J, Phillips, C (2005) Developing alternative methods of measuring animal welfare on ships (LIVE.222). Prepared by the Centre for Animal Welfare and Ethics and The University of Queensland for MLA (MLA/Livecorp).
Wickham, S, Fleming T, Collins, T (2017) W.LIV.3032 Development and assessment of livestock welfare indicators. Prepared for MLA/Livecorp by Murdoch University.
6.1.12: Woollength
MAMIC Pty Ltd (2000) Investigation of Ventilation Efficacy on Livestock Vessels— Literature Review (SBMR.002A). Prepared for MLA/Livecorp.
6.1.15: Heat stress management (morbidity) and contingency planning
Caulfield, MP, Cambridge, H, Foster, SF, McGreevy PD (2013) Heat stress: A major contributor to poor animal welfare associated with long-haul live export voyages. The Veterinary Journal 199, 223–228.
Eustace, C, Corry, S (2009) Revision of the heat stress risk assessment methodology to properly incorporate risk of heat stress while at port (B.LIV.0249). Prepared by AECOM Australia Pty Ltd for MLA/LiveCorp.
Ferguson, D, Fisher, A, White, B, Casey, R, Mayer, B (2008) Review of the Livestock Export Heat Stress Risk Assessment Model (HotStuff) (W.LIV.0262-0265).
Prepared by CSIRO for MLA/LiveCorp.
MAMIC, PL (2002) Practical Ventilation Measures for Livestock Vessels. MLA and Livecorp No. ISBN: 1 74036 118 0, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
MAMIC/Maunsell Pty Ltd (2004) Investigation of Ventilation Efficacy on Live Sheep Vessels (LIVE.212). Prepared for MLA/Livecorp.
Stacey, C (2017) HotStuff V5—Improvements to the Live Export Heat Stress Risk Assessment Method (W.LIV.0277). Prepared by Stacey Agnew Pty Ltd for MLA/LiveCorp.
Stacey, C (2017) HotStuff V5 Addendum—Calculations within the Live Export Heat Stress Risk Assessment Method (W.LIV.0277). Prepared by Stacey Agnew Pty Ltd for MLA/LiveCorp.
Stacey, C (2011) HotStuff V4 Improvements to the Live Export Heat Stress Risk Assessment Method (W.LIV.0277). Prepared by Stacey Agnew Pty Ltd for MLA/LiveCorp.
6.1.17: The effect of winter challenges in Australia and property oforigin
Barnes, A, Beatty, D, Stockman, C, Miller, D (2008) Inanition of Sheep—Literature Review (LIVE.243). Prepared by Murdoch University for MLA/LiveCorp.
Norris, RT, Norman, GJ (2003) Mortality and morbidity risk factors forlivestock during sea transport from Australia (LIVE.216). Prepared by the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia forMLA/LiveCorp.
Shiell, K, Perkins, N, Hewitt, L (2013) Review of ASEL Scoping Study—Export of sheep from southern ports to the Middle East in winter months (W.LIV.0284). MLA/LiveCorp.
6.1.18: Improved environmental monitoring
Accioly, JM, Taylor, EG, Costa, ND, Clark, P, White, CL, Pluske, JR, Tudor, GD, Pethick, DW R Stockdale, J Heard, M Jenkin (Eds) (2004) 'Effect of atmospheric ammonia on bovine lung, Animal Production in Australia.' Victoria, Australia, 4–8 July 2004. (CSIRO publishing).
Banhazi, T, Berckmans, D (2008) 'Further developments of a user-friendly air quality monitoring system (BASE-Q), Central theme, technology for all: sharing the knowledge for development. Proceedings of the International Conference of Agricultural Engineering, XXXVII Brazilian Congress of Agricultural Engineering, International Livestock Environment Symposium-ILES VIII, Iguassu Falls City, Brazil, 31st August to 4th September, 2008.'. (International Commission of Agricultural Engineering (CIGR), Institut fur Landtechnik).
Banhazi, TM (2009) User-friendly air quality monitoring system. Applied Engineering in Agriculture 25, 281–290.
Clements, MS, Watt, AC, Debono, AP, Aziz, SM, Banhazi, TM T Banhazi, C Saunders (Eds) (2011) 'A low cost portable environmental monitoring system for livestock buildings, The Bi-annual Conference of the Australian Society of Engineering in Agriculture ' Gold Coast, Australia (SEAg).
Costa, N, Acciolly, J, Cake, M (2003) Determining critical atmospheric ammonia levels for cattle, sheep and goats (LIVE.218). Murdoch University, School of Veterinary & Biomedical Science & MLA.
Gray, J, Banhazi, TM, Kist, A C Saunders, TM Banhazi (Eds) (2013) 'Implementation of wireless data handling for environmental monitoring in livestock buildings The Bi-annual Conference of the Australian Society of Engineering in Agriculture (SEAg 2013) ' Perth, Australia. (Australian Society of Engineering in Agriculture).
McCarthy, MR, Banhazi, T (2016) Bedding management and air quality on livestock vessels—A literature review (W.LIV.0290). Prepared by Global Livestock Solutions Pty Ltd for MLA/LiveCorp.
McCarthy, MR (2003) Investigations into Reducing Odour Emissions from Partly Loaded Sheep Vessels whilst in Port (LIVE.213A - Literature Review, LIVE.213A— Final Report and LIVE.213B—Final Report). Prepared by Professional Agricultural Services Pty Ltd for MLA/LiveCorp.
Phillips, CJC, Pines, MK, Latter, M, Muller, T, Petherick, JC, Norman, ST, Gaughan, JB (2012) Physiological and behavioral responses of sheep to gaseous ammonia. Journal of Animal Science 90, 1562–1569.
Pines, MK, Phillips, CJC (2011) Accumulation of ammonia and other potentially noxious gases on live export shipments from Australia to the Middle East. Journal of Environmental Monitoring 13, 2798–2807.
Pines, MK, Phillips, CJC (2013) Microclimatic conditions and their effects on sheep behavior during a live export shipment from Australia to the Middle East. Journal of Animal Science 91, 4406–4416.
Tudor, G, Acciolly, J, Pethick, D, Costa, N, Taylor, E, White, C (2003) Decreasing shipboard ammonia levels by optimising the nutritional performance of cattle and the environment on ship during live export (LIVE.202). Prepared by Murdoch University for MLA/Livecorp.
8.2 Abbreviations andacronyms
AAV
Australian Government Accredited Veterinarian
ALEC
Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council
AMSA
Australian Maritime Safety Authority
ASEL
Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (Version 2.3)
AVA
Australian Veterinary Association
eph
Exchanges per hour
HSRA
Heat stress risk assessment
HST
Heat stress threshold
IO
Independent observer
MARPOL
The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
MLA
Meat and Livestock Australia
ML
Mortality limit
PAT
Pen air turnover