THE Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 claimed more lives than the First World War. Back then, the notion of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse - war, famine, pestilence and death - must have had a grimly biblical resonance on a weary planet.

Nearly a century later, we are told that Humanity is living in the shadow of a new global catastrophe.

Such things are inevitable, it appears. After all, Mankind has predicted his impending demise ever since Adam ate the apple.

If the long-awaited asteroid strike fails to get you, then the enormous tsunami caused by half the Canaries collapsing into the Atlantic most certainly will.

This newspaper does not doubt that the advent of a new, virulent form of influenza is cause for concern. The fact that it is being spread by birds also adds a further alarming dimension.

We therefore welcome the news that the first steps are being taken to test out our readiness in the event of the disease reaching these shores.

The focus will be on migratory species such as geese and ducks, birds that could conceivably convey the virus to domesticated fowl.

It is right that the situation is being monitored. But it is equally vital that we keep our sense of perspective.

For this is not 1918. Our ability to respond to a crisis is far better in these days of global communications and co-operation.

We must therefore prepare for the worst but be rightly confident in hoping for the best.