Hazard identification that is, the identification of defined infectious or toxic agents is central to the ECOIE methodology. However, adverse health and welfare outcomes in live export
16
are not the result of a defined number of specific hazards, but rather as a consequence of the interaction of a
complex web of risk factors at and between each stage of export. This is illustrated in
• Figure 7, which represents current knowledge of the web of risk factors leading to adverse health
and welfare outcomes during live sheep export. The web of risk factors relating to live cattle export is very similar.
• The ECOIE methodology is also based on a sound understanding of the contributory effect of individual risk factors on adverse events. Although we have a reasonable understanding
of the structure of these causal webs, our understanding of the magnitude of these risks within these causal webs remains very limited. To illustrate, although the causal web for
feedlot-related salmonellosis is now understood, there is currently no quantitative information about the effect of various risk factors such as the contributory effect of various
combinations of farm, transport and feedlot factors on the probability of disease occurrence. Similar comments are relevant to other adverse health and welfare outcomes
during live export. Consequently, efforts towards hazard estimation as required within the EC and OIE methodologies would be speculative at best.
For these reasons, it is recommended that the management of animal health and welfare risks during live export be based on the methodology of the AustralianNew Zealand Standard.
RECOMMENDATION 5: It is recommended that the management of animal health and welfare risks during live export be based on the methodology of the AustralianNew
Zealand Standards for Risk Management.
3.4.2 An outcome-based focus
It is recommended that the industry take an outcome-based approach to risk management. There are two reasons for this recommendation:
• It is consistent with the broader shift towards an outcome-based approach • An outcome-based approach to risk management is also consistent with current knowledge of
disease causation within this industry. As discussed in section 3.4.1, a hazard or input based approach which is the logical alternative to an outcome-based approach to risk management
would be unworkable, given the large number of potential risk factors, and the limited knowledge about the contributory effect of each.
In simple terms, an outcome-based approach to risk management during live export should deliver each of the following:
• A clear and objective understanding of the adverse health and welfare outcomes that are most likely and of greatest consequence on any particular consignment
16
Exporters need to manage a wide range of risks during export, including animal health and welfare, commercial issues and human health and safety. Given the context of this review, however, the current
discussion relates solely to management of risks that impinge on animal health and welfare.
48
• A robust and appropriate series of strategies in relation to the above-mentioned outcomes that enable exporters to reduce risks to acceptable levels
• An effective and practical framework for continuous improvement throughout industry, underpinned by communication within industry, and between industry and government.
RECOMMENDATION 6: Consistent with the broad changes recommended within this review, it is also recommended that the industry take an outcome- rather than a hazard-
based approach to risk management. In simple terms, an outcome-based approach to risk management during live export should deliver each of the following:
• A clear and objective understanding of the adverse health and welfare outcomes that are most likely and of greatest consequence on any particular consignment
• A robust and appropriate series of strategies to enable exporters to reduce risks to acceptable levels
• An effective and practical framework for continuous improvement, underpinned by communication within industry, and between industry and government
As a result of the previous recommendation and contrary to the original project brief, it is no longer appropriate to conduct a detailed critique of risk nodes from property-of-origin to discharge. Rather,
using an outcome-based approach, best-available knowledge about causal webs and related risk factors should be used when developing risk management strategies for specific health and welfare
outcomes. This is illustrated later in this document.
SUMMARY: A detailed technical assessment of the risk nodes from property-of-origin to discharge is not required as part of the proposed model for risk management. Rather,
there is a need to utilise best-available knowledge about causal webs and related risk factors when developing risk management strategies for specific health and welfare
outcomes.
3.4.3 The approach in detail
