One Welfare Approach to the Sea Transport of Livestock

Animal welfare is intrinsic to the management of livestock transported by sea. Using a One Welfare framework to improve animal welfare and human wellbeing worldwide requires a collaborative approach, where the role of the veterinarian is pivotal. This chapter focuses on the export of sheep and beef cattle from Australia by sea, and how the need to meet the demand for livestock by nations with limited agriculture must be balanced by the need to ensure livestock are provided a life worth living. Throughout the live export journey, livestock encounter many factors that impact their welfare, such as transport over large distances, repeated handling, and novel and changing climates and environments. Significant social, ethical, economic, and political influences determine how well these voyages can be managed. Adopting an integrated approach with more shared responsibility between importing and exporting countries, and co-regulation between industry and government is essential. While veterinarians are highly skilled in providing individual livestock care, they can also facilitate improvements through leadership, and reform of industry guidelines and regulatory standards across boundaries. Without a shared vision, research to improve welfare outcomes and more open dialogue to achieve global regulatory standards, the sustainability of the industry appears under threat.