Question - TT Line - Procedures for Dealing with Unwell Stock

Tuesday 12 December 2023

Ms ARMITAGE question to MINISTER for PRIMARY INDUSTRIES and WATER, Ms PALMER

[2.40 p.m.]

My second question to the minister for Primary Industries is a question that was raised with me recently.  What procedure is in place for unwell stock going through quarantine or coming off the TT-Line?  I am told that the question is asked, 'Are they happy and standing?'  Apparently, that is a regular question, 'Are they happy and standing?'  I guess the answer they are expecting is to say 'yes'.  I am also told that if they are not happy and standing, if they are unwell, there does not seem to be a procedure in place for unwell stock coming into the state.  Could you please explain the situation?

ANSWER

Mr President, where a person who has care or charge of the livestock flags that there is an issue, or if the inspecting officer observes that an animal is injured or in distress, Biosecurity Tasmania (BT) works closely with the importing traveller or transporter.  When an animal or livestock presents at the Tasmanian border in an injured or an unwell state, BT seeks immediate veterinary assistance to ensure the appropriate animal welfare and wellbeing is managed. 

Where an animal or livestock present with a serious emergency animal disease concern, BT directs animals or livestock to an appropriate quarantine holding area to unload and assesses the concern in the presence of a vet and/or a BT animal welfare and biosecurity inspector.  Where there is a serious emergency or concern an animal disease may be present, interstate notification and trace forward and trace back activities will commence.  Where an animal or livestock present with an animal welfare concern, BT directs the animals or livestock to an appropriate holding area, stockyard or transport site to unload and assesses welfare and wellbeing, again in the presence of the vet and/or a BT animal welfare and biosecurity inspector.

BT veterinary officers would request ongoing reports on the wellbeing and welfare of any animals.  In December of 2022, changes to the Animal Welfare (Land Transport of Livestock) Regulations 2013 came into effect, which outlined important ventilation requirements for vehicles being used to transport horses across Bass Strait.  Complaints, allegations or suspected non-compliance are treated seriously and acted on appropriately through Biosecurity Tasmania's established channels.