February 27, 2006

Australia suspends cattle exports to Egypt

Australia said it is imposing a temporary ban on the export of live cattle to Egypt while claims of mistreatment in abattoirs there are investigated.

The suspension came ahead of television footage showing cattle suffering serious mistreatment allegedly in Egypt's abbatoirs.

Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran said he has suspended the live shipping of cattle to Egypt until an investigation by Egyptian authorities is completed.

Egypt's chief veterinary officer has confirmed the practices shown in the story are illegal, McGauran said. Future arrangements for cattle exports to Egypt will be determined after assessing information from Egyptian and Australian authorities.