The tragic loss of over 150 cattle on a ship originating from Darwin raises concerns about a potential diplomatic crisis.

The loss of over 150 cattle on a ship from Darwin has sparked concerns about a potential diplomatic crisis. Following the tragic deaths of over 100 cattle on the Brahman Express voyage from Darwin, Indonesia has imposed a temporary ban on live cattle imports from a specific Australian property. This development has put the industry on edge, as it heavily relies on Indonesia for the purchase of hundreds of millions of dollars worth of live cattle annually. While the exact number of casualties hasn’t been disclosed by the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, the exporter reported a high mortality rate. Indonesia’s Director of Animal Husbandry, Nuryani Zainuddin, stated that the Indonesian government received information from Australia and will collaborate with them on the investigation. As the inquiry unfolds, Indonesia will suspend one registered premises from supplying cattle. The Brahman Express, with a capacity of over 4,000 cattle, departed from the Northern Territory earlier this month, though the exact number of loaded cattle remains unclear. The deceased cattle have been traced back to a single property in the NT. The RSPCA, which opposes live exports, has expressed concerns, stating it learned of “hundreds of cattle” deaths during the voyage.