IT took our farmers years to recover from the devastating scourges of BSE and foot and mouth disease and the lives of some were changed forever.

And if those who make a living on the land were wondering what could hit them next the answer is almost with us in the form of bird flu.

In little over two years the deadly H5N1 strain of Avian Flu has spread steadily and inevitably from the Far East via Russia to Eastern Europe and is now our doorstep after following the flight route of migrating birds.

And although the two dead swans sent for testing after being found near Preston have been cleared of carrying the disease, it does seem to be only a matter of time until it is with us.

We are assured that various steps have been, and are being, taken to monitor flocks and try to control the spread of the virus but in a country where free-range chickens attracted premium prices it will not be easy.

At the same time, scientists are working hard to discover how the disease will develop and what affect it will have on people.

They still have a long way to go but what is clear is that we should follow advice, stay calm and not panic.