Bird Flu detected in sheep for the first time in the UK

UK – Bird flu has been detected in a sheep for the first time in the UK. The case, confirmed in Yorkshire, involved a sheep infected with avian influenza’s highly pathogenic H5N1 strain.

The detection followed repeated positive milk tests, marking another instance of the virus crossing species barriers beyond its usual avian hosts. 

The infected sheep was culled for further testing, while the remaining flock underwent additional screenings. Officials noted that the site where the case emerged had previously reported bird flu in poultry, suggesting a possible transmission route.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reassured the public that the overall risk remains low, while the Food Standards Agency (FSA) confirmed that poultry and eggs remain safe for consumption, as the virus is not typically transmitted through food.

Dr. Meera Chand, emerging infections lead at UKHSA, highlighted that while the virus is increasingly affecting mammals, it does not easily spread to humans.

UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss urged all livestock owners to enforce strict biosecurity measures and immediately report any suspected infections to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

Mammal to mammal transmission a growing concern 

This latest case adds sheep to a growing list of mammals affected by avian influenza, including bears, tigers, seals, dolphins, dogs, and cats. 

The virus’s spread has raised concerns among scientists and public health officials worldwide. In Europe and the United States, bird flu cases have surged, leading to the culling of hundreds of millions of birds to contain outbreaks.

The virus’s recent jump from poultry to dairy cattle has increased egg prices and heightened food security concerns. 

Authorities have intensified biosecurity measures to prevent further transmission, particularly in northern England. 

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued a pandemic warning earlier this year, emphasising the increasing risk of avian influenza spreading to humans. Researchers are actively working on vaccines to mitigate the disease’s impact.

Since the outbreak began, avian flu has significantly disrupted the poultry industry. According to the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, 1.78 million farmed and captive birds were culled between November 2024 and February 2025.

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 168.2 million birds have been affected since January 2022, spanning wild populations, commercial farms, and backyard flocks.

Bangladesh reports first bird flu outbreak since 2018

Meanwhile, Bangladesh has reported its first outbreak of highly pathogenic bird flu on a farm since 2018, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). 

The outbreak, which occurred in the district of Jessore, resulted in the deaths of 1,900 birds out of a flock of 3,978. The remaining birds were culled to prevent further spread.

Avian influenza has been spreading globally in recent years, affecting poultry industries across multiple countries, including the United States, where hundreds of millions of birds have been culled in efforts to contain outbreaks.

The virus’s resurgence in Bangladesh highlights the persistent challenges in controlling its spread and the ongoing need for strict monitoring and biosecurity measures worldwide.

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