Update, 29 January 2024: MV Bahijah livestock vessel

After considering information provided by the exporter, a decision was made on 20 January 2024 to direct the consignment of livestock on board the MV Bahijah be immediately returned to Australia.  

This was in recognition of the exceptional circumstances and taking into account animal welfare considerations.

The department has been working closely with the exporter to determine next steps for the consignment once it returned to Australian waters.

These are high quality Australian animals; however, they would be subject to strict biosecurity controls while in Australia.

Protecting Australia’s strong biosecurity system and the welfare of the livestock on board remain the department’s top priorities.

The department has been working with the exporter to determine the options available to them, consistent with legislative and regulatory responsibilities and taking into account the unique circumstances of the vessel.

It is not appropriate for the department to comment publicly on these assessments until they are completed.

Further updates will be provided as they become available.

For further background on the shipment please see previous statement published on 19 January 2024: www.agriculture.gov.au/about/news/mv-bahijah-livestock-export-middle-east