WHEN you think of ducks you naturally think of water, don't you? I was therefore appalled by a TV programme that showed ducks existing in the appalling conditions of Britain's intensive farming systems - without water, except to drink.

These factory-farmed ducks are confined by the thousands in over-crowded, stinking sheds, where they suffer lameness and eye problems. They need to immerse their heads in water, otherwise the eyes become scaly and crusty and can lead to blindness.

If your readers must eat duck, then choose free-range or organic duck. These ducks will have had a chance of a natural existence on water in the open. Moreover, they will not have been treated with antibiotics, which could contribute to your own antibiotic resistance eventually.

If you would like more information about the farm animal welfare benefits of free-range and organically produced meat and farm produce, please contact Compassion in World Farming via www.ciwf.org or telephone 01730-264208.

MARY BROWN Bishop's Hull