Chook flu has been detected in a sheep in England for the primary time, the federal government has stated.
The only case was recognized in Yorkshire throughout a routine examine of livestock on a farm the place the H5N1 virus, additionally known as avian influenza, had beforehand been confirmed in captive birds.
No additional an infection of the virus was detected within the remaining flock, the Division for Surroundings, Meals and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) stated.
“While this is the first time this virus has been reported in a sheep, it is not the first time influenza of avian origin has been detected in livestock in other countries,” it added.
“There is no evidence to suggest an increased risk to the nation’s livestock population.”
DEFRA stated it has been introducing livestock surveillance on contaminated premises following the outbreak of avian influenza in dairy cows within the US.
The contaminated sheep has been humanely culled to allow in depth testing, it stated.
Livestock farmers are being urged to stay vigilant to any indicators of chicken flu following current outbreaks.
The UK’s chief veterinary officer, Christine Middlemiss, stated: “Now we have confirmed the detection of influenza of avian origin in a single sheep on a farm in Yorkshire.
“Strict biosecurity measures have been implemented to prevent the further spread of disease.
“Whereas the danger to livestock stays low, I urge all animal house owners to make sure scrupulous cleanliness is in place and to report any indicators of an infection to the Animal Plant Well being Company instantly.”
Dr Meera Chand, of the UK Health Security Agency, said: “Globally, we proceed to see that mammals will be contaminated with avian influenza.
“However, current evidence suggests that the avian influenza viruses we’re seeing circulating around the world do not spread easily to people – and the risk of avian flu to the general public remains very low.”
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