Prodigal sheep may return
1 Oct 2003
The Federal Government has indicated for the first time that the 50,000-plus sheep stranded at sea in the Middle East may return to Australia. The Government had ruled out that option when the sheep were first rejected by Saudi Arabia, as the ship had docked in regions that have foot-and-mouth disease. Slaughter at sea was also deemed too problematic.
Agriculture Minister Warren Truss now says that arrangements are in place for the cargo of sheep to return and be processed at an Australian quarantine facility. National Farmers' Federation president Peter Corish says Australia's animal health status cannot be compromised and the NFF will be watching events closely.
The Cormo Express is being reprovisioned, which will take two-three days. If a buyer has not been found by that time, the sheep will be brought home. Discussions have been held to date to place the sheep with Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Jordan, Egypt, Pakistan, Libya, Cyprus, Tanzania, Eritrea, Qatar, Italy, Poland, Israel, Ukraine, Argentina, Mauritius, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Australian Financial Review, 1/10/03.
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