Bird flu, aiding as a significant threat to global public health, marked a significant milestone by infecting a sheep for the first time worldwide. UK experts have reported this unprecedented occurrence, though they emphasize that the risk to livestock and the general population remains minimal. The H5N1 virus, known for its contagiousness among avian species, was identified in a singular case in Yorkshire, England, following routine testing due to the local history of avian influenza outbreaks among birds within the vicinity. Notably, no other instances of infection were detected within the flock.
Subsequent measures saw the infected sheep culled, with the UK’s chief veterinary officer implementing stringent biosecurity protocols to control the spread of the disease. This incident, marking a departure from the typical avian infection patterns, highlights the broader susceptibilities of mammalian species to the H5N1 virus. The expanding range of affected animals, including cats, foxes, otters, and pigs, underscores the complexity and evolving nature of the virus. Scientists have been particularly taken aback by the virus’s presence in cows, contradicting previous beliefs regarding their susceptibility.
The emergence of H5N1 in mammals, especially in animals closely linked to human consumption, raises significant concerns about the potential for a human pandemic. While current evidence by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that H5N1 does not easily transmit among humans, precautions remain integral. The risk to public health, as stated by experts, is currently deemed very low. The recent detection of H5N1 in a farm worker in the UK, highlighting the possibility of human infection, was reportedly managing a large number of infected birds.
In response, Dr. Meera Chand, an expert in emerging infections at the UK Health Security Agency, stated that while avian influenza A(H5N1) is known to infect mammals globally, there’s no conclusive evidence that these strains easily transmit to people. Nonetheless, readiness for human cases is paramount, with assurance that swift responses will be executed in collaboration with healthcare providers and other relevant agencies.
Robin May, the chief scientific adviser at the Food Standards Agency, affirmed that the agency is closely coordinating with its counterparts to assess the implications of this finding. Despite the identification of H5N1 in sheep, public health and food safety advisories continue to position bird flu as posing a negligible risk to consumers, as the virus does not typically transmit via food.
This incident not only highlights the complexity and adaptability of the H5N1 virus but also underscores the critical necessity for ongoing vigilance, research, and collaboration among global health authorities to mitigate risks associated with avian influenza.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/24/bird-flu-detected-sheep-first-time-england-world-risk-public
