Iran ‘major market’

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33527, 7 May 1974, Page 2

Iran ‘major market’

(N.Z. Press Association) INVERCARGILL, May 6. Iran could be a major new market for New Zealand sheepmeats, the Minister of Agriculture (Mr Moyle) said to Southland Federated Farmers today. Mr Moyle said he was confident that shipments of live sheep would be resumed. But this was only a minor part of the whole trade. Iranian Government representatives had recently expressed interest in

a continuing supply of a large, lean type of lamb or hogget of 361 b to 401 b chilled weight. “They were ready to pay a very good price for it, perhaps even equal to our lamb price,” Mr Moyle said. “Our old ewes were last on their list of preferences. This could be a major new market for our sheepmeats — they have a population of 38 million people, and the ability to pay. They want quality meat in return, and an assurance of continuing supply.”

On the controversy over shipments of live sheep, Mr Moyle said there had been much misunderstanding

among the interested parties, much of it because of a lack of consultation and communication. For example, although there had been strong criticism of loading methods for the first shipment, the two subsequent shipments had been made without complaint, Mr Moyle said. Many of the allegations of cruelty were speculative, and contrary to the facts. “It is now fairly clear that the published death tallies for the first voyage were not correct, and a number of assumptions about the handling and feeding of the animals have not been substantiated by later inquiries. "Shipboard deaths have subsequently been confirmed at 462, 620, and 583 for the three voyages, and these figures are accepted as quite favourable for the class of sheep involved,” Mr Moyle said.

Most of the deaths were caused by salmonellosis, despite vaccination of the sheep before shipment. This was understandable, as the sheep were held in close confinement, which facilitated the spread of infection.

A veterinarian who travelled with the sheep on the third voyage saw no mistreatment, and commented favourably on the preparation of the sheep for the voyage and the good facilities available at Banda Shapour, the Persian Gulf port of disembarkation, Mr Moyle said.