Bird Flu Detected in a Sheep for First Time in England
Science/Medical/Technology
Monday 24th, March 2025
3 minute read.
The UK government has confirmed that bird flu has been detected in a sheep in England for the first time. The case was identified in Yorkshire during routine livestock checks on a farm where the H5N1 virus, also known as avian influenza, had previously been found in captive birds.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, has increasingly spread to mammals and infected hundreds of people, raising concerns that it may lead to human-to-human transmission and turn into a new pandemic
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) stated that no further infections were detected in the remaining flock at the premises. However, officials are urging livestock farmers to stay alert for any signs of potential bird flu outbreaks.
"While this is the first time this virus has been reported in a sheep, it is not the first time influenza of avian origin has been detected in livestock in other countries", DEFRA explained. "There is no evidence to suggest an increased risk to the nation's livestock population".
Biosecurity Measures in Place
In response to the case, DEFRA has introduced livestock surveillance at infected locations following recent outbreaks of avian influenza in dairy cows in the United States. The infected sheep was humanely culled to facilitate further testing and to help prevent the disease's spread.
Christine Middlemiss, the UK's Chief Veterinary Officer, reassured the public that strict measures were being implemented. "We have confirmed the detection of influenza of avian origin in a single sheep on a farm in Yorkshire" she said. "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 Plant Health Agency immediately".
Concerns Over a Potential Pandemic
Some health experts have warned that bird flu could become a more significant threat if it mutates to spread more easily among humans. Global health organisations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have expressed concerns that avian influenza could be the next major pandemic if it adapts to human-to-human transmission.
Dr Meera Chand of the UK Health Security Agency commented on the risks, "Globally, we continue to see that mammals can be infected with avian influenza. However, current evidence suggests that the avian influenza viruses we're seeing circulating around the world do not spread easily to people - and the risk of avian flu to the general public remains very low".
However, scientists have urged governments to remain vigilant, pointing out that the world was similarly unprepared for COVID-19 in its early stages. Some researchers argue that more investment is needed in vaccine research and rapid detection methods to prevent a future outbreak from spiralling out of control.
Food Safety Remains Secure
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has reassured consumers that poultry and related products remain safe to eat, provided they are properly cooked. The agency has stated that bird flu poses a very low food safety risk to the UK public since the virus is not usually transmitted through food.
Although the risk to humans is currently low, officials are encouraging increased surveillance and adherence to strict hygiene practices to mitigate any potential threats. With past experiences of pandemics fresh in the public’s mind, the emergence of avian influenza in livestock is prompting renewed discussions about the need for proactive health measures worldwide.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, has increasingly spread to mammals and infected hundreds of people, raising concerns that it may lead to human-to-human transmission and turn into a new pandemic
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) stated that no further infections were detected in the remaining flock at the premises. However, officials are urging livestock farmers to stay alert for any signs of potential bird flu outbreaks.
"While this is the first time this virus has been reported in a sheep, it is not the first time influenza of avian origin has been detected in livestock in other countries", DEFRA explained. "There is no evidence to suggest an increased risk to the nation's livestock population".
Biosecurity Measures in Place
In response to the case, DEFRA has introduced livestock surveillance at infected locations following recent outbreaks of avian influenza in dairy cows in the United States. The infected sheep was humanely culled to facilitate further testing and to help prevent the disease's spread.
Christine Middlemiss, the UK's Chief Veterinary Officer, reassured the public that strict measures were being implemented. "We have confirmed the detection of influenza of avian origin in a single sheep on a farm in Yorkshire" she said. "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 Plant Health Agency immediately".
Concerns Over a Potential Pandemic
Some health experts have warned that bird flu could become a more significant threat if it mutates to spread more easily among humans. Global health organisations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have expressed concerns that avian influenza could be the next major pandemic if it adapts to human-to-human transmission.
Dr Meera Chand of the UK Health Security Agency commented on the risks, "Globally, we continue to see that mammals can be infected with avian influenza. However, current evidence suggests that the avian influenza viruses we're seeing circulating around the world do not spread easily to people - and the risk of avian flu to the general public remains very low".
However, scientists have urged governments to remain vigilant, pointing out that the world was similarly unprepared for COVID-19 in its early stages. Some researchers argue that more investment is needed in vaccine research and rapid detection methods to prevent a future outbreak from spiralling out of control.
Food Safety Remains Secure
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has reassured consumers that poultry and related products remain safe to eat, provided they are properly cooked. The agency has stated that bird flu poses a very low food safety risk to the UK public since the virus is not usually transmitted through food.
Although the risk to humans is currently low, officials are encouraging increased surveillance and adherence to strict hygiene practices to mitigate any potential threats. With past experiences of pandemics fresh in the public’s mind, the emergence of avian influenza in livestock is prompting renewed discussions about the need for proactive health measures worldwide.
