Spain has called for the slaughter of more than 850 potentially diseased cattle that have been stuck on a livestock carrier for two months.
The cows are no longer fit for transport on the 2,100-dwt Karim Allah (built 1965), the agriculture ministry said on Saturday.
The ship docked in Cartagena on 25 February, after failing to find a buyer for the cargo.
A number of countries have rejected the animals over fears they have the bluetongue virus, which is an insect-borne disease causing lameness and haemorrhaging. The condition does not affect humans.
A veterinarians’ report said the cows had suffered from the lengthy journey and euthanasia would be the best solution, according to Reuters.
The report did not confirm bluetongue, however.
The agriculture ministry said the shipowner, Talia Shipping Line of Lebanon, should "proceed to isolate and slaughter the animals in accordance with the applicable regulations".
If this did not happen, the government would carry out the killings.
Samples sought
Miquel Masramon, a lawyer representing Talia Shipping Line, has called for the return of samples taken from the animals and impounded by Spanish authorities. The company wants the samples to be tested for bluetongue.
"It [the report] does not mention any serious diseases that explain why these animals must be destroyed," he told Reuters.
The vessel had originally left the Spanish port to sell the cattle in Turkey, but authorities there blocked this and suspended live imports from Spain over bluetongue disease fears.
Newspaper El Diario said a new buyer was sought in Libya, but the vessel was again turned away.
As a result, the crew has been struggling to feed the animals in conditions animal welfare groups have described as "hellish".
When the ship turned back to Cartagena, Spanish authorities originally barred it, but then allowed vets to board.
Broken promises?
Masramon told El Diario: "We are very disappointed with the performance of the ministry, because they promised us a health examination and they are not doing it."
Livestock carriers have come under increased scrutiny in recent months due to a series of accidents and animal welfare issues.
Australia said in February it is to clamp down on substandard vessels in a six-month campaign carried out by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
The purpose of the focused inspection campaign is said to be to "ascertain the level of compliance" with the maintenance and repair requirements of international conventions.
The Karim Allah has a clean port state control record dating back to 2002.
