Under ESCAS, livestock exporters must ensure livestock control and traceability throughout the entire supply chain. This ensures that livestock remains within an approved supply chain and provides assurance that the subsequent handling and slaughter in accordance with international animal welfare recommendations.

The introduction of ESCAS as well as the critical investment made by Australian exporters, foreign importers, and importing governments have had a substantial impact on welfare outcomes for livestock exported from Australia.

Australia Exporters are also required to comply with the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL), which applies to the preparation of livestock for the voyage from farm through to on-board care, as well as State and Federal Government animal welfare regulations to assure the welfare of exported livestock.

Holly Ludeman’s first taste of the livestock export industry came when she was awarded the Wellard Livestock Welfare scholarship in her final year of her Veterinary Medicine and Surgery studies. The scholarship enabled Holly to travel with a consignment of cattle from Townsville to Jakarta, and then onto feedlots, abattoirs and local markets in Indonesia.

After some time in private practice, Holly started working in the livestock export industry in 2013, with much of her focus since on markets in the Middle East.
She has extensive experience working in importer supply chains with veterinarians, quarantine officials and other in-market stakeholders to uphold the control, traceability and welfare of Australian livestock.

“This is such a rewarding industry to work in,” Holly said.

“It’s inspiring to think about how we are constantly working with our partners in importer markets to improve education and knowledge of animal welfare and efficient, ethical food production.

“The social and cultural challenges of the live trade are real, but I look forward to continuing to work in this industry because I'm passionate about the livestock industry. I’m proud of the way we are embracing our social licence to operate, with greater transparency and modern operational systems.”