The UK鈥檚 Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed a case of influenza of avian origin (H5N1) in a single sheep in Yorkshire following repeat positive milk testing.
Defra has said the case was identified following routine surveillance of co-located livestock on a premises where avian influenza had been confirmed in captive birds.
鈥楢ll keepers must maintain high standards of biosecurity鈥�
NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: 鈥淔armers are understandably concerned that avian influenza has been found in a sheep.
鈥淭his remains a single case within what is understood to be a backyard flock, and no other infection has been found among the remaining sheep.
鈥淐ommercial producers continue to do all they can to protect their animals by following strict biosecurity measures.
鈥淲hile the risk to the nation鈥檚 livestock population remains low, it鈥檚 vital that all keepers of domesticated poultry, cattle, sheep and goats maintain high standards of biosecurity and remain vigilant for any signs of disease.鈥�
The infected sheep has been humanely culled to enable extensive testing. Further testing in the remaining flock of sheep at the premises was undertaken by the avian influenza national reference laboratory at the Animal and Plant Health Agency Weybridge laboratory.
No further infection with avian influenza virus was detected in the remaining flock and this remains a single case in a mammal detected on the premises.聽
Reporting suspected bird flu
If you suspect bird flu in poultry or other captive birds, you must report it immediately:
- England 鈥� call聽03000 200 301
- Wales 鈥� call聽03003 038 268
- Scotland 鈥� find your local聽
Any dead waterfowl or wild birds that you find on your land must be reported to Defra so they can be tested. Visit:聽
For more information on signs, symptoms and reporting, visit:聽
