The media reports of possible bird flu cases in Greece demonstrate that this is a matter of public concern, which requires an immediate government response. The issue is not whether the bird flu pandemic will reach this country this winter or next, but rather that we are adequately prepared for the worst in order to save as many lives as possible.

I would urge all vulnerable UK citizens, including people living with serious lung conditions, to follow the recent government advice to at the least get the conventional flu jab.

HELENA SHOVELTON
London EC1

Sir, It is of great concern but little surprise that avian flu has been detected in a parrot being brought into the UK for the pet trade (report, October 24).

For some time animal welfare and conservation organisations have called for an end to the EU trade in wild birds. This trade is rapidly growing out of control, largely because of the increasing number of animals being handled and because the trade is mainly unregulated. Wild-caught and captive-bred exotic animals often carry diseases that are potentially dangerous to humans and other animals.

A prohibition should also be placed on the sale of all pets, especially exotic animals, from temporary premises or at short-term events. It is not possible to maintain and enforce suitable standards of health and welfare at sales in a makeshift environment.

The Government must take effective action to address these concerns through the new Animal Welfare Bill.

ROSS MINETT
(Director, Advocates for Animals)
Edinburgh

Sir, The elderly are the last people who should be vaccinated in the event of a flu pandemic (report, October 17). We have lived our three score years and ten and, while in no hurry to depart, we are happy to be at the end of the queue for vaccination. If there are not enough vaccinations to go round, we want our children’s and grandchildren’s generations to be given priority. That we may be vulnerable is irrelevant.

JOHN RAE (aged 74)
Haslemere, Surrey

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