World's first case of bird flu in sheep detected in England
Source: The Guardian
Bird flu has been detected in sheep for the first time in the world, UK experts have announced, although they stress the risk to livestock and the general public is low.
The H5N1 virus was detected in a single animal in Yorkshire, England, after routine testing that was carried out because the flock was kept on a site where avian influenza had previously been found in birds. No other sheep in the flock was found to be infected.
The infected animal has since been culled, with the UK’s chief veterinary officer saying strict biosecurity measures have been implemented to prevent the further spread of disease.
“While the risk to livestock remains low, I urge all animal owners to ensure scrupulous cleanliness is in place and to report any signs of infection to the Animal and Plant Health Agency immediately,” Christine Middlemiss said.
Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/24/bird-flu-detected-sheep-first-time-england-world-risk-public