Bird flu detected in UK sheep for the first time worldwide

Bird flu has been detected in a sheep in northern England, the first known case of its kind in the world, according to the United Kingdon’s government. The infected ewe was identified through routine surveillance at a farm in Yorkshire where highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) had already been confirmed in captive birds.

“The ewe tested positive for H5 antibodies in the blood, and her milk was positive for H5 RNA by polymerase chain reaction. The ewe had been showing clinical signs of mastitis,” the government reported.

To prevent further spread, “all affected birds and the infected ewe were humanely culled.” Official testing of the remaining flock, including the lambs of the affected ewe, found no further cases of the virus.

While this is the first time avian influenza has been detected in a sheep, authorities emphasized that “there is no evidence to suggest an increased risk to the nation’s livestock population.” The case definition for influenza of avian origin has been updated to provide clearer guidance on reporting potential infections in mammals.

The UK government continues to monitor the spread of bird flu in wild mammals, including recent cases among grey seals on the North Norfolk Coast. “Mammals which have had close contact with infected wild birds or contaminated environments can become infected with influenza of avian origin,” officials stated, though they noted that the numbers were “not above the usual annual mortality level.”

Farmers and poultry keepers are urged to maintain strong biosecurity measures. “Practising good biosecurity at all times protects the health and welfare of your birds and, for commercial keepers, will help protect your business from HPAI and other diseases,” the government advised.

Bird flu has spread among U.S. dairy cattle since March 2024. However, according to the UK Health Security Agency, avian influenza viruses do not seem to spread easily to people.