Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jan 12: Amid the rising incidents of bird flu being reported in different states, chief minister of Goa ordered a ban on the entry of live poultry and other birds from Karnataka and Maharashtra. “There are no cases of bird flu in Goa, but still we have decided to ban the entry of birds,” CM Sawant told reporters after a meeting called by the Centre and addressed by PM Narendra Modi. “We have issued orders to the director of animal husbandry and veterinary services to stop bringing birds from other states,” he said.

Meanwhile, the chief minister also said that term for how long the ban on live poultry and other birds will stay in force was not yet decided. “For some days we will have to stop the entry of live birds, else it will be a problem,” he said. During the virtual meeting, Modi reportedly asked animal husbandry departments and district magistrates to monitor unusual deaths among birds. He also asked states to remain alert and ensure constant vigil at places like water bodies, zoos and poultry farms, a report by TOI stated.

Goa consumes around 40 tonnes of chicken per day, with close to 30 tonnes being procured from Karnataka.