Bird Flu Infects Sheep: Another Animal Agriculture Disaster

Bird flu has now infected sheep for the first time. In Yorkshire, UK, a sheep has been killed after testing positive for the H5N1 virus - a virus once confined mainly to birds.

Defra confirmed the infection was identified through repeated positive tests of the sheep's milk. This sheep lived at a site previously affected by bird flu among captive birds. Due to bird flu spreading to dairy cows in the US, UK authorities have increased monitoring of farmed animals. No other sheep in the flock tested positive, but biosecurity measures are now in place.

The growing list of infected species highlights a serious issue. Recent outbreaks among dairy cows in the US alarmed experts because cows were thought unlikely to catch bird flu.

While human risk remains "very low," according to UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), authorities still caution the public against touching sick or dead birds. Multiple farm workers globally have contracted bird flu, including one in the UK this past January.

At least one recent infection - of a teenager in Canada - occurred without direct contact with farm animals, further raising concerns about bird flu's potential reach and unpredictability.

As bird flu continues spreading, it underscores yet another reason animal agriculture poses serious risks - not just for the animals exploited, but for public health as well.

Read more: Feeding Cats Raw Meat? You Might Be Feeding Them Bird Flu