Australia's live sheep trade with Israel suspended

According to the report, Federal Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran said Israel was refusing to accept any more shipments until the situation was resolved.

The suspension was revealed Thursday by animal welfare group Animals Australia, which said the health problems with a previous consignment led Israel to reject a shipment of 10,000 Australian sheep due to arrive in the country on November 3, the report said.

The group said exporters were then forced to unload the animals in Jordan.

"Israel has alleged there were minor health problems with some sheep," he said.

"These allegations are being investigated by AQIS (Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service).

"Until this is resolved, Israel has indicated it will not accept further consignments of sheep from Australia."

Urgent investigation into claims

Mr McGauran would not reveal anything about the health problems with the sheep, but said the Government was taking the matter seriously.

"AQIS has initiated an urgent investigation into the claims and has sought additional information from Israeli authorities," he said.

"There are no current consignments of sheep being prepared or en route."

According to the report, Animals Australia claimed the new shipment allegedly turned away by Israel, on the vessel MV Maysora, also contained a consignment of cattle – many of which died during the three week journey to the Middle East.

"This latest incident provides further evidence of the unacceptable risks animals face on every vessel that leaves Australia," Animals Australia director Glenys Oogjes said.

AQIS declined to comment on the suspension of trade with Israel, the report said.