Sometimes I feel as if Stephen King has taken over the script for the entire world.

First BSE, now this. I have friends who are livestock farmers, and a friend who has a butchers shop and a meat processing business. All appear to be facing ruin or at least serious financial difficulty. As for the animals ...

There does not appear to be an end in sight, and I can think of nobody who places any credence in statements from MAFF or anyone in Government.

Any exultation by the militant vegetarian lobby should be deferred until we see what the effect of the heavy rains and snows of this winter on the fruit, vegetable and grain harvest might be.

The knock-on disruption to other parts of the economy looks likely to be pretty dire. Tourism is only one industry that is hurting already, more will follow.

Initially I was frustrated because access to my Sailing Club had been closed - now I'm getting seriously concerned about matters somewhat more weighty than my leisure activities.

We thought we were so clever and fortunate - do I hear any mutters of "hubris"?