Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jan 20: The North Goa district magistrate banned the entry of poultry and poultry products from neighbouring states just days after the south Goa collector banned the same. Transportation and entry of both birds and eggs from Maharashtra and Karnataka, either directly or indirectly has been prohibited.

"Any person contravening this order shall be punished under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code," a notice issued by the North Goa collectorate read.

The decision to ban poultry and poultry products from the neighbouring states was taken after cases of avian influenza or bird flu were reported in other states.

"The nodal officer may be reached also in case of additional information about the same in avian species in your vicinity. The advisory by the department of animal husbandry and dairying, New Delhi has informed the general public that poultry products cooked at over 70 degree Celcius temperature for 30 minutes inactivates the virus," the collectorate informed with a view to take precautionary measures.