The Australian authorities are faced with the challenge of finding a quarantine facility for around 16,500 sheep and cattle stranded on the MV Bahijah livestock carrier off the coast near Perth.
According to local news sources, the ship has been at sea for almost a month, having been ordered to turn back from its journey to the Middle East due to security concerns. The ship is currently anchored in Australian waters, awaiting a decision on the animals’ fate.
Meanwhile, the WA Department of Agriculture is collaborating with the federal government to develop a plan to unload some animals into a quarantine facility, ensuring biosecurity measures are in place.
With a heatwave conditions forecasted for the week, there is increased urgency of getting the animals off the ship, as further concern is raised about the animals’ well-being.
