A bird flu or avian influenza ( H5N1 ) case had been discovered in a sheep in England for the first time, according to the British government on Monday.
The discovery took place during routine monitoring of animal at a spot where captive birds had formerly been affected by avian influenza. Defra set up cattle monitoring at sick sites in response to the US cheese cow outbreak.
On a farm in Yorkshire, we have confirmed the presence of influenza of avian origin ( H5N1 ) in a single sheep. According to UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss, rigid security measures have been put in place to stop the spread of disease.
I urge all pet owners to maintain strict sanitation is in position and immediately report any signs of infection to the Animal Plant Health Agency, Middlemiss continued.” While the risk to cattle remains lower, I urge all animal owners to maintain conscientious cleanliness is in place.
The UKHSA confirmed that people should avoid touching bored or deceased wild birds despite the fact that avian influenza mainly affects birds and poses little risk to public health.
The Food Standards Agency confirms that H5N1 presents the least amount of food safety issues while correctly prepared chicken materials and egg remain safe for use.
Dr. Meera Chand from the UKHSA stated,” Globally, we continue to see that mammals can be infected with avian influenza A ( H5N1 ). However, recent research indicates that the avian influenza viruses that are being circulated around the world do not quickly spread to people, and that the risk of avian influenza to the general public is still very low.
” Defra, DHSC, the Animal and Plant Health Agency, and the Food Standards Agency will continue to follow the situation closely.” UKHSA has put together plans to identify human cases of avian flu and will quickly respond to requests from the NHS and another lovers,” Chand continued.
