A Middle East-bound ship carrying more than 16,000 livestock was stranded at sea for almost a month due to security concerns in the Red Sea, and was hit by a heatwave when it entered western Australia on Thursday, according to reports. It is said that

The MV Bahija, owned by Israeli-based export company Bassem Dabbar and carrying about 16,500 sheep and cattle, set sail from the port of Fremantle in western Australia on January 5th, flying the flag of the Marshall Islands. , turned around and returned to port due to continued attacks by Houthi rebels. Red Sea, Associated Press (AP) report.

The ship reportedly docked off the coast of Fremantle for four days before entering port on Thursday. Extreme heat conditions have further heightened concerns for the animals. Two veterinarians who examined the livestock on Wednesday said they found no serious health problems. live updates Provided by the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. (Related: Red Sea shipping sunk by missile attack. What this means for Americans' wallets)

The department's latest information also shows public concerns about Australia's biosecurity and the health and welfare of livestock.

“[The veterinarians’ inspection] You'll have even more confidence that your livestock is in good condition and receiving proper care and supervision. “We have also confirmed that there are no signs of exotic disease in the livestock on board,” Australia's Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Beth Cookson said in an update.

“There is no question that Australia's biosecurity and the health and welfare of the livestock on board are our top priorities,” Department Secretary Adam Fennessy said on Friday.

The ministry agreed late Friday to allow hundreds of healthy cattle to be offloaded from the vessel, while continuing to evaluate exporters' applications to re-export livestock, according to an update.

Re-exporting poses unique challenges as the animals may take an additional month to travel to Suez Canal ports via long routes around southern Africa to avoid the troubled Red Sea. The Associated Press pointed out that. The alternate route covers thousands of miles more and takes him a week longer than the original route.

According to the update, Fennessy said: “We are doing everything in our power to resolve the situation and will continue to keep the public informed and respond to inquiries until then.”