STRICTLY FOR THE BIRDS,er, PIGS


Huttonian rather likes the article in the Scottish Review which you can read here in which Kenneth Roy states his belief that the medja have fallen over themselves to exaggerate the threat from a Swine Fever pandemic egged on by irresponsible statements from the World Health Organisation (WHO) (composed of lots of DR Whos one can only assume) who have form in exaggerating the potential of health scares-Avian flu being an example.

Although Scotland can boast (as only Scotland can boast-as only Ms Sturgeon can boast) the very first cases of the infection and also the first human to human transmission in Europe to someone who had not actually been to Mexico, panic has eluded the Borders. Certainly in Duns (and I suspect in Hutton although I have not checked) upper lips remain stiff. Selkirk may seem a long way a way but goodness knows collecting your Gerdian from Nairns of a morning you may actually inadvertently have rubbed shouders or involuntarily ingested sneeze vapour from someone who has had contact with a guy, who had a drink with another guy who had sat in the train from Embra with someone who had just had another (previous) drink with a chap who had recently met a mate back from Mexico City. Thus spreads Pandemics, Level 6 pending.

Thoughts and worries seem elsewhere. No popular hysteria about the risk of airborne infection from the organic pig farm towards Dunbar Pig farms yes; Wind Farms no says Jimmy Citizen. Horrid Turbines, ruining the landscape, killing the birds, threatening the low flying defence of the realm F16s. Sweet cuddly pigs, free range and lovingly cared for. In two words

Lucky Swine

As for the medja one recalls the tale of a young cub reporter (John Simpson 50 years ago?) sent to make his name covering some far flung Imperial crisis telegramming his editor

" Difficult to exaggerate seriousness of situation here. But will

do my best"

The image is of two happy pigs. Organic surely?

Labels: Dr Who, Pandemic in the Borders, Swine Fever, WHO

  ¶ 9:32 AM