Avian flu is a cause of concern in the media, with questions being asked as to whether the authorities will be prepared when or if the disease spreads to the UK and especially if it mutates and becomes a serious threat to humans.

I have yet to see what plans the poultry industry or Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have for the rapid slaughter of millions of farmed birds in this country if they get infected.

Assurances we have the highest animal welfare standards in the world make me hope we will not see the industry resorting to the cruelty used by some of countries affected by the disease.

Images of live birds being stuffed into plastic sacks, tossed into bins or, according to some reports, being buried alive, lead me to fear concerns for animal welfare will be swept aside in the rush to deliver a speedy (and economical) resolution.

-Peter Allen, High Salvington