JEDDAH, 26 December 2004 — Saudi Arabia and Australia will soon sign a memorandum of understanding on the resumption of Australian livestock shipment to the Kingdom, according to Muhammad Al-Sheeha, assistant deputy minister of agriculture for livestock affairs.
Shipments of Australian livestock were suspended last year after Saudi veterinarians found that one-third of 57,000 sheep aboard an Australian ship had scabby mouth. The shipment was rejected by the Saudi authorities. Australia had since banned live animal trade with the Kingdom. Earlier, Australia resumed live animal trade with Saudi Arabia in 2000 after a decade-long break.
Al-Sheeha was quoted by Al-Riyadh newspaper as saying the two sides have completed discussion on all matters that would allow both countries to meet their demands.
His statement follows fears that the Kingdom may face a shortage of live animals which are in great demand at this time of the year coinciding with the annual Haj and Eid Al-Adha (feast of the sacrifice) when millions of sheep are slaughtered. Haj will begin in earnest next month.
Experts said imports from traditional areas that used to supply the Kingdom with most of its consumption, especially countries of the Horn of Africa, has dwindled over the past years due to several factors, both natural and man-made.
