The welfare conditions in live sheep exports have improved, but veterinarians say the number of animals experiencing health issues is still unacceptable.

A parliamentary inquiry into the Albanese government’s decision to end live sheep exports was told mortality rates had dropped significantly since 2017, when more than 2000 sheep died from heat stress while on a ship from Australia to the Middle East.

There had been a big improvement in conditions in recent years, but too many animals were still suffering, said Melanie Latter from the Australian Veterinary Association.

“We’re still seeing unacceptable rates of heat stress, gastrointestinal diseases … there are welfare issues that remain, and they remain of concern,” Dr Latter told the inquiry on Wednesday.

The inquiry is examining the provisions of the bill to ban live sheep exports by 2028, especially in Western Australia where the trade is almost entirely based.

Farmers told the inquiry that since the 2017 deaths, animal welfare outcomes on board Australian vessels had improved to become “gold standard.”

Charles Thomas, from the National Farmers Federation, said banning live sheep exports would result in nations turning to other markets where the practices were not as humane.

Mr Thomas accused the government of being dictated to by animal activists.

“Listen to the voices of farmers, not to those of the fanatics.”

Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council chair David Galvin also directed his anger at the Albanese government for pushing ahead with the 2028 ban.

“If this ban is such a good idea, why has it been rejected from every agricultural group in Australia?” Mr Galvin asked the inquiry.

“We expect this hearing to be a complete waste of time, and the recommendation to pass legislation from the committee is a fait accompli.”

The inquiry was told banning live sheep exports would devastate farmers.

“People are angry. They’re being ignored,” Mark Harvey-Sutton from the exporter’s council said.

The inquiry heard that details on support programs to help WA farmers transition out of the live sheep export trade would be available in the third quarter of 2024.

“The department will consult on the development of program guidelines when they’re ready,” the agriculture department’s Tina Hutchison said.

The inquiry was also told there were concerns among farmers and exporters the government would extend the live export ban to cattle, despite repeated assurances by the Albanese government that that won’t happen.

The inquiry is due to move to WA on Friday, where it will continue to hear from industry stakeholders.

This post was originally published on Michael West.