Around 80 sheep have died during an air freight shipment from Australia to Indonesia, as confirmed by the Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council (ALEC).

ALEC reported that the incident involved a ‘small air freight consignment of breeder sheep’ sent to Jakarta, Indonesia's capital, and that the deaths occurred on the evening of Saturday, August 17.

The incident was promptly reported to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, which oversees the industry.

MORE NEWS | Telecoms operator denied bid to renew equipment lease at lower rent

MORE NEWS | 500-mile tractor trip for prostate cancer awareness

ALEC stated that they will cooperate with the regulator as the investigation into the incident continues, and they will also work with LiveAir, the exporter, and the air freight operator involved.

ALEC added: “Given the investigation is ongoing we will provide further information as it is confirmed.”

LiveAir, which represents stakeholders in the global export of livestock by air from Australia, noted that the country’s live air freight industry transports livestock to over 35 different destinations.

The live export by air freight industry generates between $75 - $100 million AUD annually, according to LiveAir.

With 250 - 300 individual consignments per year, over 74,000 animals, including goats, sheep, cattle (dairy and beef), buffalo, camels, alpacas, llamas, and deer, are shipped globally each year.

LiveAir explained that livestock are transported in specially designed crates within the lower bellyhold of passenger flights or on freighter aircraft.

LiveAir stated: “Each animal is transported in a specifically designed crate for the animal type. Allowing room for the animal to move freely, good ventilation and specifically designed flooring to keep the crates and aircraft clean from livestock excreta.”

The representative noted that livestock can be transported to Asia within 24 hours or to Europe within 36 hours from Australia.

LiveAir also mentioned that air transport is ideal for pregnant livestock or reaching destinations with challenging climates or new markets.

LiveAir added: “Air transport allows exporters the ability to transport very small and large numbers of livestock pending the market requirements, which is beneficial for opening new markets.”

Meanwhile, legislation to end the export of live sheep by sea by 2028 has been passed by the Australian Parliament and is now law.

The government has also introduced a $107 million package to support farmers and the supply chain in Western Australia during the transition away from live exports.