First-Ever Bird Flu Case Found in Sheep Raises Pandemic Concerns

A historic case of bird flu has been identified in a sheep in northern England, marking the first such instance globally. This discovery expands the list of mammals affected and intensifies pandemic fears. Despite this, there is no current evidence of human transmission.

Bird flu has been detected in a sheep in northern England, marking the world's first known case of its kind, according to the British government. This discovery adds to the growing list of mammals, including bears and cats, affected by the H5N1 virus, heightening pandemic concerns.

The case was uncovered during routine surveillance on a Yorkshire farm where avian influenza had also been identified in other captive birds. While humans have contracted the virus, ranging in severity levels, there remains no confirmed human-to-human transmission.

The infected sheep, a ewe with mastitis, tested positive for the virus in both milk and tissue. This finds similarities with recent outbreaks among U.S. dairy cattle. Officials have contained the case, with no further infections detected in the flock.

(With inputs from agencies.)