UK Confirms First Sheep Infected with Bird Flu, Heightening Pandemic Concerns

The detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in a sheep on a Yorkshire farm marks a concerning first for the virus, as it increasingly spreads to mammals and raises fears of human transmission. The UK government has implemented strict biosecurity measures following this case and is urging farmers to report any signs of infection. While the current risk to the general public remains classified as low, concerns persist about co-infection in mammals like pigs, which could potentially lead to a more dangerous variant capable of human-to-human transmission. Additionally, the virus has been found in a variety of wild mammals and US dairy cattle, prompting increased surveillance and routine testing in livestock. Experts continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent further spread and assess any potential risk to human health. The Food Standards Agency has reassured the public that properly cooked poultry remains safe to eat, despite the ongoing outbreak.