The Kiwifruit Claim is congratulating the Ministry for Primary Industries for intercepting yak meat carried by a passenger arriving to the country from Mongolia.

Had it not been intercepted, it may have caused untold damage to the New Zealand economy.

The yak meat found could have caused severe damage to New Zealand's economy.

Spokesman for the Kiwifruit Claim, Matthew Hooton, says some Mongolian cattle are known to be infected with foot and mouth disease – this could have caused damaging effects for New Zealand's livestock.

MPI Auckland Airport manager Dave Sims has pointed out the yak meat could have harboured disease that could have wrecked New Zealand's agriculture-based economy.

'MPI is rightfully taking the credit and should be congratulated for keeping us safe at the border from this potential threat.

'Yet, in our case, MPI has told the High Court it cannot owe a duty of care to kiwifruit growers for what we allege was its negligence in letting Psa into New Zealand, which its own independent advisors said cost our country at least $885 million,” says Matthew.

The Kiwifruit Claim has brought class action litigation against the government for alleged negligence in failing to undertake its biosecurity duties, allowing Psa to enter New Zealand and devastating the kiwifruit industry in 2010.

For more information on The Kiwifruit Claim visit: www.thekiwifruitclaim.org.