In view of bird flu outbreak in Maharashtra and Karnataka along with other States, the Goa government has prohibited the transportation and entry of birds and eggs from the two neighbouring States to avoid any serious health risk.
The North and South District Administration have issued orders imposing ban on transportation and entry of live birds and poultry products within their jurisdiction, directly or indirectly, with immediate effect. The order states that the district administration has been brought to the notice by the Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, that there is confirmation of Avian Influenza in chicken in the States of Maharashtra and Karnataka. Hence, the administration is of the considered opinion that there is a serious risk to the health of the people in the State if the transportation and entry of birds and eggs from Maharashtra and Karnataka States are not stopped forthwith.
The prohibition has been imposed under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973. The order also states that any person contravening the order will be punishable under Section 188 of the Indian Penal code. The order remains in force until further orders are issued. As many as ten States in the country have so far reported cases of bird flu. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has asked the State Chief Wildlife Wardens to take up surveillance and monitoring of the birds on priority.
