P.M. BRIEFING : No More Australia Sheep for Saudis
Australia today suspended live sheep exports to Saudi Arabia, which in the last few weeks has rejected shiploads of 300,000 sheep, claiming they were diseased.
“Australia’s high reputation for quality and freedom from disease cannot be put at risk by further unjustified actions by Saudi Arabian veterinary officials,” Primary Industry and Energy Minister John Kerin said in a statement.
Saudi Arabia takes half of Australia’s live sheep exports, a trade worth up to $78 million that farmers regard as a vital diversification from sales of frozen meat.
Saudi Arabia says the viral diseases bluetongue and sheep pox were found among the rejected sheep. Australian officials say the country does not have sheep infected with the two diseases.
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