Brits have been issued a warning as bird flu has been detected in sheep. The Government confirmed the shock finding and said influenza of avian origin (H5N1) was located on a farm in Yorkshire.
Animals owners have been urged to be extra cautious and were told to report any signs to the Animal Plant Health Agency. On Monday, UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss confirmed that "strict" measures have been put in place to help prevent the spread. She said: "We have confirmed the detection of influenza of avian origin (H5N1) in a single sheep on a farm in Yorkshire. Strict biosecurity measures have been implemented to prevent the further spread of disease.
"While the risk to livestock remains low, I urge all animal owners to ensure scrupulous cleanliness is in place and to report any signs of infection to the Animal Plant Health Agency immediately.”
Dr Meera Chand, Emerging Infection Lead at the UK Health Security Agency, explained plans have been put in place for if the infection is passed onto humans. Dr Chand said: "Globally, we continue to see that mammals can be infected with avian influenza A(H5N1).
“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.
“UKHSA will continue to monitor the situation closely alongside Defra, DHSC, Animal and Plant Health Agency and Food Standards Agency. UKHSA has established preparations in place for detections of human cases of avian flu and will respond rapidly with NHS and other partners if needed.”
Experts explained that you cannot catch avian flu by eating fully cooked poultry or eggs. "Our advice remains that bird flu poses a very low food safety risk to UK consumers since the H5N1 virus is not normally transmitted through food," said Robin May, Chief Scientific Adviser at the FSA. According to the NHS, the first symptoms will take between three to five days to appear.
Symptoms of bird flu in humans
- High temperature or feeling hot or shivery
- Aching muscles
- Headache
- A cough or shortness of breath
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Sickness
- Conjunctivitis
- Bleeding from the nose or gums
Owners who suspect their animals have been infected should report concerns by calling the APHA on 03000 200 301 in England , or 0300 303 8268 in Wales . People in Scotland can contact their local field services here.