The department was responding to claims by Australian animal rights groups, who claimed that the mutilation would occur because Hormone Growth Promotants (HGPs) had been found by Egyptian authorities in the ears of some cattle.
“DAFF has been advised that Egyptian General Organisation of Veterinary Services veterinarians have removed implant pellets from cattle, but the ears have not been removed,” said a spokesperson.
The spokesperson added that HGPs have been deemed safe by both the Food and Agriculture Organisation and the World Health Organisation.