LONDON — A case of bird flu has been detected in a sheep in northern England, marking the first known instance of the virus infecting this species. The discovery adds to growing concerns as more mammals worldwide continue to test positive for the H5N1 strain, raising fears of a potential pandemic.
Over the past few years, bird flu has spread beyond birds, infecting a wide range of mammals including bears, cats, dogs, dolphins, tigers, dairy cows, and seals. Scientists have been closely monitoring these outbreaks, as the virus’s ability to jump species could signal an increased risk to humans.
How Was the Sheep Infected?
The infected sheep was identified on a farm in Yorkshire during routine livestock surveillance. The farm had already reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in captive birds, prompting additional testing in other animals.
According to Britain’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency, the affected sheep—a ewe—showed signs of mastitis, an infection of the udder. However, apart from that, it displayed no other symptoms of bird flu.
The animal was culled as a precaution, and subsequent tests showed no further infections within the flock, suggesting that the case was contained.
Connections to U.S. Outbreaks in Dairy Cows
Experts believe this case may have similarities to the ongoing H5N1 outbreak among dairy cows in the United States. Virologist Ed Hutchinson, from the University of Glasgow, noted that traces of the virus were also found in the infected ewe’s milk, mirroring findings in American dairy cows. However, he emphasized that there is no current evidence of transmission between sheep, and the situation appears to be under control.
In response to these developments, the UK has tightened surveillance on farms where bird flu has been detected, expanding testing to other livestock to prevent further spread.
What Does This Mean for Public Health?
Despite the growing number of mammals contracting bird flu, health officials stress that the virus remains primarily an animal disease.
Dr. Meera Chand, the UK Health Security Agency’s lead on emerging infections, reassured the public:
“Globally, we continue to see cases of mammals being infected with H5N1. However, there is no strong evidence that these strains are easily transmissible to humans. At this time, the risk to the general public remains very low.”
While rare cases of human infection have been reported, they have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness, with no confirmed person-to-person transmission so far. Scientists continue to monitor the situation closely, as any mutation that enables easier human spread could pose a serious health threat.
For now, British authorities remain vigilant, emphasizing strict monitoring and containment efforts to prevent further cross-species infections.
