Sydney: The Australian government said on Friday it would resume live cattle exports to Egypt provided that strict conditions are met.

The trade was suspended two years ago after Australian television reports showing exported animals having their tendons slashed and eyes stabbed at a Cairo abattoir.

Australia's Agriculture Minister Tony Burke said that the strict conditions include use of a new purpose-built feedlot and abattoir facilities inspected by Australian authorities.

Cattle will not be permitted to be moved to other Egyptian abattoirs or feedlots.

Animal welfare group Animals Australia criticised what it said was a failure by Burke to censure the live export industry.

Animals Australia executive director Glenys Oogjes said Burke's failure sent "over one million animals to be brutalized in Egypt."