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#UK, #England: Confirmed findings of #influenza of #avian origin in captive #mammals (as of March 25 '25)

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By G.M.

Sheep, March 2025

One domestic sheep (Ovis aries) tested positive for influenza of avian origin (H5N1) in March 2025. The case was identified following routine surveillance of farmed livestock on a premises in Yorkshire where highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) had been confirmed in other captive birds. The single animal was a ewe with signs of mastitis but no other clinical signs. The milk was positive by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the blood tested positive for H5 antibodies.  

All affected birds and the infected ewe were humanely culled to mitigate the risk of further disease spread. Further official testing of the remaining flock of sheep were all negative for the presence of avian influenza virus.

Source: DEFRA, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bird-flu-avian-influenza-findings-in-captive-mammals/confirmed-findings-of-influenza-of-avian-origin-in-captive-mammals

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