The Government has confirmed the first recorded case of bird flu (H5N1) being transmitted to a sheep has been found in England.
The transmission, which was confirmed after multiple positive milk tests, was found on a farm where bird flu had previously been detected in captive birds.
The discovery comes after an outbreak of bird flu in cows in the US.
However, the government says there is no evidence of an increased risk to Britain’s livestock.
Animal owners have been urged to stay vigilant and report any signs of illness to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said: “We have confirmed the detection of influenza of avian origin (H5N1) in a single sheep on a farm in Yorkshire. 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.”
Dr Meera Chand, Emerging Infection Lead at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “Globally, we continue to see that mammals can be infected with avian influenza A(H5N1).
“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.”
ITV News provides essential details about how the virus transmits to humans.
How bird flu spreads to humans
Bird flu is spread through close contact with an infected bird, whether dead or alive, according to the NHS. This can happen through:
- Touching infected birds
- Handling droppings or bedding
- Preparing infected poultry for cooking
You cannot catch bird flu by eating fully cooked poultry or eggs, even in areas with an outbreak.
How to Reduce the Risk
If visiting a country with an outbreak:
- Wash hands often with warm water and soap, especially before and after handling food
- Use separate utensils for raw and cooked meat
- Ensure meat is cooked thoroughly until steaming hot
- Avoid contact with live birds and poultry
What to Avoid
- Do not touch bird droppings or sick or dead birds
- Avoid live animal markets or poultry farms
- Do not bring live birds, poultry, or feathers back to the UK
- Avoid eating undercooked poultry, duck, or raw eggs
Symptoms of Bird Flu in Humans
Symptoms usually appear within 3 to 5 days and can include:
- High temperature or feeling feverish
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Cough or shortness of breath
Other possible symptoms:
- Diarrhoea, nausea, or stomach pain
- Chest pain
- Bleeding from the nose or gums
- Conjunctivitis (eye infection)
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