UK: Bird flu raises concerns as first-ever sheep infection detected

A confirmed case of bird flu in a Yorkshire sheep has raised fresh concerns as the virus continues to spill over into mammals.

This marks the first known instance of a sheep contracting the H5N1 virus anywhere in the world.

While the infection was detected through routine testing, swift action was taken to prevent further spread.

H5N1 has already been found in US dairy cattle, and recent reports revealed that horses can also harbor the virus.

These cross-species infections increase the risk of the virus adapting to mammals, heightening concerns about its potential to jump to humans.

Given the close contact people have with domesticated animals, health officials remain watchful for any genetic changes that could make the virus more transmissible.

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The UK is currently experiencing another wave of H5N1, leading to widespread avian influenza prevention measures and mass culling of poultry.

The virus has also been detected in wild mammals, including seals, foxes, otters, dolphins, and porpoises. In response, the Animal and Plant Health Agency has ramped up surveillance, particularly on farms with infected poultry.

The infected sheep was identified through antibodies in its blood and viral genetic material in its milk.

Fortunately, no other sheep on the farm tested positive, and the affected animal was culled immediately to minimize the risk of further mutations.

Experts believe rapid intervention is crucial, as delays in the US allowed the virus to spread among cattle, with traces even detected in supermarket milk.

Scientists are now analysing the virus from the Yorkshire case to determine whether it has undergone genetic changes.

The UK Health Security Agency maintains that H5N1 remains primarily a bird disease and poses a very low risk to the general public.

However, as the virus tops the list of those most likely to cause a pandemic, authorities are staying vigilant.

(Sky News)

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