Summary
The health and welfare of animals is a major consideration throughout Australia's livestock export chain and requires the employment of skilled personnel. LiveCorp commenced in 1998 with animal welfare as part of its mission and immediately began work on delivering a training course for cattle stockmen. This work expanded to include sheep and goat stockmen and stevedores. As the Australian live export industry has grown, so too has the inherent level of risk. After incidents on two high-profile voyages, the live export industry was reviewed and the industry standards rewritten in an effort to prevent further mishaps. The new standards make reference to competent animal handlers and direct the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) to accredit veterinarians who accompany consignments of livestock overseas. An online course for veterinarians delivered by Animal Health Australia ensued. The standards also require exporters for each voyage to the Middle East to prepare a consignment risk management plan utilising the heat stress model. Training in the use of the model and preparation of the plans was provided by LiveCorp. The stockman training courses delivered by LiveCorp have been a success and are in continued demand from both AQIS and the live export industry.