Bird flu raises pandemic concerns in the UK

Bird flu is becoming a major concern as cases rise among animals. The disease has led to the culling of millions of birds, creating risks for humans who come into contact with these animals. Health experts are alarmed after bird flu was detected in a sheep in Yorkshire. This case is notable as it is the first known infection of a sheep with the virus. The H5N1 strain mainly affects birds but it poses a significant threat for a potential pandemic. The UK Health Security Agency states that H5N1 is currently the virus most likely to cause widespread illness. The infection has also been found in dairy cattle in the US and even horses. These findings are troubling as they indicate the virus is adapting to infect mammals. As people are often close to domesticated animals, this increases the risk of the virus jumping to humans. Routine testing is now being conducted on livestock in the UK, especially on farms with infected poultry. This action stemmed from the US outbreak that led to the discovery of the infected sheep. Fortunately, all other sheep on the farm tested negative, and the affected ewe was culled. Large areas of the UK have been designated as avian influenza prevention zones due to the ongoing outbreak. Millions of birds have been culled recently as authorities work to control the spread. The Animal Plant Health Agency is closely monitoring the situation, especially after cases appeared in wild mammals like seals, foxes, and dolphins. In the US, the response to the virus's spread in cattle was considered slow. It has now affected nearly 950 herds across 16 states. Some traces of the virus were also found in milk available for sale, but officials say this is not harmful to consumers.