Pet food exporters shut out of China since bird flu was found here late last year, say it has cost them well over $100 million dollars, and there's still no sign of change.
Ministry for Primary Industries officials are meeting today with their Chinese counterparts over how pet food and other poultry products can be allowed back in to China.
When the bird flu - H7N6 - was detected on an egg farm in rural Otago late last year, movement controls were placed on that site, and all chickens on the farm were culled.
Tests on other farms linked to the original, returned negative for the disease.
MPI has since lifted controls on the original farm - saying it is confident the disease has been contained and stamped out.
MPI says it continues to work constructively with its Chinese counterparts to restore access.
Kathryn speaks with the Managing Director of the Pet Food Association Richard Brake and Marcus James, Chief Operating Officer for King Country Pet Food in Taumaranui.
