Although regular shipments of live sheep from New Zealand to the Middle East for slaughter ended some years ago, mainly breeding sheep and cattle are still exported live to markets such as China, Mexico and South America.
Veterinary Association president John McLaughlin has welcomed the ban and urged law changes to protect New Zealand's reputation and animal welfare.
"There were a significant number of disasters in the 90s. I think there's been a vast improvement in the way livestock is exported since then, I still think the welfare line's the bottom line in all this," he said.
Saudia Arabian importers have condemned the ban, saying it ignores important cultural issues. © 2007 Australian Broadcasting Corporation
