Cattle deaths during sea transport from Australia.
OBJECTIVE
To establish the death rate and the causes of death in cattle exported by sea from Australia.


METHODS
Cattle deaths on voyages from Australia to all destinations between 1995 and 2000 were analysed retrospectively. On four voyages to the Middle East between December 1998 and April 2001, cattle that died were examined to determine the cause of death.


RESULTS
The death rate was 0.24% among 4 million cattle exported, and a greater proportion of deaths occurred on voyages to the Middle East (0.52%, P < 0.05) than to south east Asia (0.13%). The risk of death on voyages to the Middle East was three times greater for cattle exported from southern ports in Australia compared to northern ports. The main causes of death were heat stroke, trauma and respiratory disease.


CONCLUSIONS
Cattle have a low risk of death during sea transport from Australia. The risk of death can be reduced on voyages to the Middle East by preferentially exporting cattle from northern ports, and selecting those with a higher Bos indicus content whenever possible.
Norris
R T
RT
Department of Agriculture, Locked Bag No. 4, Bentley Delivery Centre, Western Australia 6923.
Richards
R B
RB
Creeper
J H
JH
Jubb
T F
TF
Madin
B
B
Kerr
J W
JW
D000818:Animals; D001315:Australia; D001947:Breeding; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000401:mortality* / Q000517:prevention & control; D002423:Cause of Death; D018883:Heat Stroke / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012767:Ships; D014186:Transportation; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary