Avian Influenza Pops Up in England Ewe

Avian influenza has been detected in a sheep in northern England—the first known case of its kind anywhere in the world. That’s according to a report from Reuters, which says the infected ewe showed signs of mastitis, and its milk also tested positive for H5N1. Scientists note similarities to the outbreak among U.S. dairy cattle, but British officials say the case appears contained. While bird flu has been found in a variety of mammals worldwide—including bears, dolphins, and dairy cows—there have been no confirmed cases of human-to-human transmission. (https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-detects-bird-flu-sheep-first-time-2025-03-24/)

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is ramping up its response on the national front. The agency, in consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC, NIH, and the FDA, has announced a $100 million investment to explore prevention, therapeutics, and potential vaccine candidates. The USDA says the effort is designed to combat highly pathogenic avian influenza while also supporting America’s farmers and ranchers. (https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal-emergencies/hpai)