Australian sheep unloaded in Pakistan

5 Sep 2012, 12:47 pm   -   Source: AAP
Australian sheep denied access to Bahrain are being unloaded in Pakistan for an alternative buyer. (AAP)

Australian sheep denied access to Bahrain are being unloaded in Pakistan for an alternative buyer. (AAP)

Australian sheep denied access to Bahrain after concerns were raised about scabby mouth disease are being unloaded in Pakistan for an alternative buyer.

Australian-bred sheep denied port access in Bahrain over disease concerns are being unloaded in Pakistan.

Bahraini and Australian officials held lengthy talks to get about 22,000 sheep off the Fremantle-based Wellard Rural Exports ship Ocean Drover, after concerns were raised about scabby mouth disease in a number of sheep.

However, the talks broke down and the ship headed to Karachi, where it is now unloading the sheep for another buyer.

Wellard said in a statement the sheep were being discharged under Australian and international animal welfare standards.

"An Australian government-accredited veterinarian, an independent veterinarian ... and a leading international veterinarian specialising in animal welfare are overseeing the health status of the consignment and unloading of the vessel, with support from an additional five Wellard staff," the company said.

"The welfare of the animals at all times has been maintained at the highest levels in keeping with our company standards."

While on board the sheep had been cared for by a veterinarian, two Livecorp-accredited stockmen and 47 on-board officers and crew.

"The mortality rate on-board the vessel remains well below the Australian government-specified upper limit," the company said.

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