On March 24, the United Kingdom’s (UK) Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) confirmed the first case of avian influenza in sheep in Yorkshire.
Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss announced that H5N1 was detected in the sheep through repeat milk testing, similar to U.S. protocols. The infected sheep was located on a farm previously affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza in birds. Strict biosecurity measures were implemented, and the animal was culled for further testing. DEFRA introduced livestock surveillance in response to H5N1 outbreaks in U.S. dairy cows.
Authorities report a low risk to livestock and public health.
