First-Ever Sheep Bird Flu Case Raises Global Pandemic Fears

Bird flu has been found in a sheep in northern England, marking the first case in this species globally. This adds to the list of mammals infected by the virus, raising concerns about a pandemic. The infected ewe was culled, and authorities emphasize low human transmission risk.

In an unprecedented development, a sheep in northern England has tested positive for bird flu, marking the first known case of its kind globally. The case, confirmed by Britain's government, adds to the growing list of mammals affected by the H5N1 virus, escalating concerns about a potential pandemic.

Routine surveillance of farmed livestock in Yorkshire uncovered the infected ewe, which showed signs of mastitis, an inflammation of breast tissue. Fortunately, no further infections were detected in the rest of the flock after the ewe was culled, according to the UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

Dr. Meera Chand from the UK Health Security Agency has reassured the public that current avian flu strains do not easily transmit to humans, keeping the risk to the general public very low. However, she emphasized the need for ongoing surveillance as cases among other mammals continue to emerge worldwide.

(With inputs from agencies.)