Live sheep exports to continue

LIVE sheep exports are expected to be given the green light to continue to the Middle East over the northern summer under tough new regulations.

Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud will today release the McCarthy review into the trade, which was commissioned after shocking footage was aired of sheep suffering heat stress and dying during voyages last year.

It is believed there will be no end to the summer trade, despite the Australian Veterinarians Association and the RSPCA saying there is no way to protect sheep against potentially fatal heat stress.

The Turnbull Government has been divided over the future of the trade, with backbench MPs Sussan Ley, Sarah Henderson and Jason Wood calling for the industry to be phased out.

But there are fears within the government that a ban on the industry could jeopardise trading relationships with a suite of Middle East nations.

The review has advised on stocking density, ventilation, possible airconditioning, the number and skills of ship crew dealing with animals and the independent observation and reporting of animal welfare.