Ministry for Primary Industries Auckland Airport manager Dave Sims said, "Cowpats are made by mixing fresh cow feces with hay. We can't permit them to enter New Zealand as they could contain unwanted seeds, parasites or even plant or animal diseases that could harm the livelihood of farmers and growers."
Airport authorities in New Zealand have destroyed a cow pat that was being brought into the country by a Malaysian visitor.
The man declared the cow pat to quarantine officials after the long flight from Malaysia, claiming it had been “commercially packaged” and was to be used in a temple ceremony.
Auckland Airport authorities denied it entry, deeming it a possible biosecurity hazard.
The New Zealand Herald reported that the methane gas-rich cow pat was to be used for Hindu “burning” rituals.
Ministry for Primary Industries Auckland Airport manager Dave Sims said, "Cowpats are made by mixing fresh cow faeces with hay. We can't permit them to enter New Zealand as they could contain unwanted seeds, parasites or even plant or animal diseases that could harm the livelihood of farmers and growers."
Sims added, "Cow pats are now a commercial product. There's even a website selling them and some customers want gift-wrapping. The great thing in this case is the passenger declared the pat. They did everything we asked to safeguard New Zealand's biosecurity.”