Seagulls under forest officials's scanner

Allahabad, Dec 8 (UNI) The officials of the Forest and husbandary Department here are keeping a close watch on all poultry farms near Sangam, fearing if the migratory birds -- Seagulls were carrying bird flu virus with them.

A team has been formed to study the hens and ducks of the region, and their collected syrum will be sent to the Hyderabad laboratory for further check up.

Seagulls come every year from Central Asia, Siberia, Ladakh and China. It still remains a mystery for scientists as to how these migratory birds reach their destination without any map and navigational tools.

However, during the last couple of years, the number of these migratory birds had reduced because of the non-availability of fish.

These beautiful migratory birds are going to be the centre of attraction at Sangam, the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers during the coming Ardh Kumbh Mela in January next year.

UNI JL/ATI SSC GC1612