The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have confirmed that a single case of bird flu has been detected in a “single sheep” on a farm in Yorkshire which has now been humanely culled.
During a routing check of livestock on the farm the H5N1 virus was identified which is normally found in birds.
Defra said, “While this is the first time this virus has been reported in a sheep, it is not the first time influenza of avian origin has been detected in livestock in other countries.
“There is no evidence to suggest an increased risk to the nation’s livestock population.”
Sky News reported, the UK’s chief veterinary officer, Christine Middlemiss, said: “We have confirmed the detection of influenza of avian origin in a single sheep on a farm in Yorkshire.
“Strict biosecurity measures have been implemented to prevent the further spread of disease.
“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 to the Animal Plant Health Agency immediately.”
Dr Meera Chand, of the UK Health Security Agency, said: “Globally, we continue to see that mammals can be infected with avian influenza.
“However, current evidence suggests that the avian influenza viruses we’re seeing circulating around the world do not spread easily to people – and the risk of avian flu to the general public remains very low.”
The National Sheep Association (NSA) Chief Executive Phil Stocker told LondonLovesBusiness.com, “This is not a threat to food safety of consumers and it’s very important to make that clear.
“What this shows though is the importance of biosecurity and an understanding of what biosecurity means. In the sheep industry we often think the term just refers to buying in stock, but in this instance sheep and poultry have mixed on the same farm, resulting in the transmission of avian influenza.”
Mr Stocker adds that mixing of species is questionable at the best of times, but should be avoided when England is undergoing a period of mandatory housing measures for poultry due to bird flu outbreaks.
Helen Roberts, NSA Cymru Development Officer, added, “Although this news is not welcome at this time of year, it does give us the opportunity to remind ourselves of the importance of good biosecurity especially with lambing for many just around the corner and to be vigilant with our flock. We want to do our utmost to retain our high health and welfare standards of the national flock.”
