Panaji, Apr 4 (IANS): Who travels first into Goa, the chicken or the egg?

Amid fears of bird flu, the Goa government on Saturday permitted import of eggs from neighbouring states subject to due diligence, while permission for transportation of poultry into Goa would follow only after assessment by state Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services officials, about the potential risk of consuming poultry from Karnataka and Kerala, where cases of the flu have been reported, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday said.

"We have allowed eggs, but they (transporters) should provide certification from the poultry farms, as well as a safety certificate," Sawant told reporters at a press conference in Panaji.

"Locally available chicken is safe. One can eat it. Veterinary department officials have been directed to check on risk-status of chicken from other states over the next two days. They will also be consulting with the central government. A decision will be taken in two days," Sawant also said.

The Chief Minister also said that contrary to popular perception, the state government had not banned eating chicken, but the restrictions on transportation of poultry in Goa had been imposed, in view of a Central government directive which was issued after avian flu or bird flu was reported in some poultry farms in the Southern states.

The Chief Minister also urged the Opposition not to indulge in politics over the issue of food, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, adding that it would send a wrong message to the people of Goa.