A warning to “remain vigilant” has been issued following the discovery of bird flu in a sheep in the UK, marking the first known case in the country. The infection was detected during routine checks on premises where avian influenza had been previously found in captive birds in Yorkshire. The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer confirmed the presence of influenza of avian origin (H5N1) in a single sheep, which prompted the humane culling of the infected animal to facilitate extensive testing. Further examination of the remaining flock at the premises revealed no additional cases, indicating that this remains an isolated incident in a mammal.
While this particular instance is the first time the H5N1 virus has been reported in a sheep in the UK, instances of avian influenza in livestock have been detected in other countries before. Despite this development, officials have stressed that there is no evidence suggesting an elevated risk to the nation’s livestock population. The government has implemented livestock surveillance on infected premises following the outbreak of avian influenza in dairy cows in the US to monitor and prevent the further spread of the disease.
Livestock keepers have been urged to stay alert for the clinical signs of avian influenza, with good biosecurity practices emphasised as crucial for protecting animals’ health and preventing disease spread in case of an outbreak. The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss underscored the importance of maintaining scrupulous cleanliness and promptly reporting any signs of infection to the Animal Plant Health Agency to mitigate risks. The detection of influenza of avian origin in the sheep will be reported to global organisations, including the World Organisation for Animal Health and the World Health Organisation.
Although avian influenza primarily affects birds and poses a low health risk to the public, caution has been advised in handling sick or dead wild birds. The Food Standards Agency reassured consumers that properly cooked poultry and eggs are safe to eat, with a low food safety risk associated with avian influenza transmission through food. Collaboration between authorities and agencies such as Defra, UKHSA, and the Food Standards Agency continues to monitor the situation closely to ensure the safety of UK food.
Bird flu, while typically not transmitted to humans, has seen isolated cases of transmission in the past. Globally, since 2003, the World Health Organization has recorded confirmed human cases of bird flu, with a significant fatality rate. However, there has been no sustained human-to-human transmission reported. The UK Health Security Agency remains vigilant and prepared for potential human cases of avian flu, working alongside various partners to respond promptly if needed.
Amid ongoing developments and precautions surrounding avian influenza, the awareness and cooperation of the public, livestock keepers, and relevant agencies are vital in mitigating risks and ensuring the safety of both animals and humans. As experts continue to monitor the situation and provide updates, maintaining biosecurity measures and reporting any suspicious signs of infection remain crucial components of the prevention and control efforts against avian influenza in the UK.