Chicken suppliers from Maharashtra reportedly observed a one-day strike alleging harassment by the All Goa Poultry Farmers and Traders Association which led to shortage of chicken in the Goan market. The association had alleged that vehicles coming from Maharashtra did not possess fitness certificates for the birds. It is learnt that the issue is for suppliers from Maharashtra and not with suppliers from Karnataka. It is claimed that some suppliers were attempting to supply chicken without proper checks and selling it at cheaper rates. Research indicates that the avian influenza virus can contaminate the surface of eggshells, emphasizing the importance of thorough egg handling, hand hygiene and proper cooking to eliminate risks. One cannot contract the virus from eating poultry that has been cooked properly. Symptoms of bird flu infections in people have ranged from mild eye infection, upper respiratory symptoms to severe illness like pneumonia. This can happen when the virus gets into a person's eyes, nose or mouth, or is inhaled. It is absolutely necessary to conduct all checks for chicken coming into the state so that Goa gets disease-free chicken.
