In a UK first, bird flu has been confirmed in a sheep on a farm in Yorkshire, according to the country’s Chief Veterinary Officer. The infected ewe, which was showing signs of mastitis, was humanely culled after testing positive for the H5N1 avian influenza virus—commonly known as bird flu.
Officials from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said the animal was part of a mixed-species smallholding where poultry and sheep were housed together, a practice the National Sheep Association (NSA) has criticized during active avian flu outbreaks. Despite the unprecedented infection, the government stressed that no additional cases were found in the flock after extensive testing, and the risk to livestock remains low.
Low risk to animals and public health
Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, confirmed that strict biosecurity measures had been implemented on the affected site and urged farmers and animal owners to remain vigilant. “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,” she said.
Dr Meera Chand of the UK Health Security Agency reassured the public that the risk of avian flu spreading to humans remains very low. “Current evidence suggests avian influenza viruses circulating globally do not spread easily to people,” she stated.
Government action and safety measures
Defra has placed the nation under an Avian Influenza Protection Zone, mandating housing measures for birds in 13 regions including North Yorkshire, Norfolk, and Cheshire. This comes after more than 1.78 million farmed and captive birds were culled between November and February due to the disease.
The Food Standards Agency also emphasized that properly cooked poultry and eggs remain safe to eat, reassuring consumers that the outbreak does not pose a food safety threat.
The NSA noted that while the case is the first instance of bird flu in sheep in the UK, similar cases have been recorded in livestock in other countries. NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker said this particular incident “is not a threat to the food safety of consumers” but emphasized that mixing poultry and other livestock should be avoided, especially during active outbreaks.
