The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a $1 billion investment to combat bird flu, focusing on biosecurity and research into vaccines.

Despite the presence of H5N1 in various mammals, the general risk to public health remains low, according to health authorities.

In response to H5N1 outbreaks, millions of poultry have been culled in the UK, with large areas placed under avian influenza prevention zones.

Swift action in culling the infected sheep aims to mitigate the risk of the virus evolving and spreading further, contrasting with the slower response seen in the U.S.

The emergence of H5N1 in various species raises concerns about potential future transmission and the risk of a pandemic, although sustained human-to-human transmission has not yet been observed.

The detection of H5N1 in sheep adds to concerns as the virus has already been found in other animals, including cats, foxes, and pigs.

Experts warn that increased spillovers and exposure to humans could enable the virus to adapt and become more infectious among people.

Phil Stocker, chief executive of the National Sheep Association, noted that while the case does not pose a food safety threat, it raises concerns about farming practices that mix different animal types.

In the U.S., there have been 70 confirmed human cases of bird flu since 2024, including one death earlier this year, but no evidence of human-to-human transmission has been documented.

The H5N1 bird flu virus has been detected in a sheep in Yorkshire, England, marking the first recorded case of this virus in sheep in the country.

Routine surveillance led to the identification and culling of the infected ewe, with no further infections reported among other animals on the farm.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is closely monitoring the situation and has established response preparations for potential human cases of avian flu.