Animals
Bird Flu Jumps To Sheep For First Time
Plant Based News • Mar 24, 2025
A sheep in Yorkshire, UK, has been euthanized after testing positive for bird flu, marking the first recorded case of the H5N1 virus jumping to sheep. The infection was discovered through repeat positive testing of the sheep's milk, and it was on a site where bird flu had previously been present among captive birds. No other sheep in the flock have tested positive for the virus, and biosecurity measures have been implemented on the site to prevent further spread.
The case adds to the growing list of species that have become susceptible to bird flu, with the outbreak among dairy cows in the US causing concern among health experts. While the UK Health Security Agency has stated that the risk to humans is low, precautions such as reporting any signs of infection in animals to authorities and avoiding contact with sick or dead wild birds are advised. Multiple farm workers in various countries have been infected, with most making a full recovery, highlighting the importance of vigilance in preventing the spread of the virus.
*This summary was generated using AI.
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