Avian influenza detected in sheep for the first time in the UK

The currently circulating H5N1 avian influenza virus has been detected for the first time in a sheep in the UK, the country's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said. The virus was detected in the county of Yorkshire. 

According to the data, the virus was detected in a sheep during routine checks on a farm where both poultry and other livestock are kept. The virus has previously been detected in birds here. This is the only case of infection in the sheep flock. At the same time, it is the only infection in pigs on this farm. The sheep has been euthanised to allow for more accurate testing.

„There is no evidence of an increased risk to livestock in the country,– the ministry said in a statement. However, all livestock farmers in the UK have been urged to be more vigilant and to monitor their livestock for clinical signs of avian influenza. 

The bird flu case has been reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).