Defra - Avian Influenza Latest Situation

24 March 2025

Press Notice: Influenza of avian origin confirmed in a sheep in Yorkshire - GOV.UK

• Influenza of avian origin (H5N1) has been detected in a sheep in England. 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 ewe tested positive for H5 antibodies in the blood, and her milk was positive for H5 RNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The ewe had been showing clinical signs of mastitis.

• 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 at the premises, including the lambs of the affected ewe, were negative for the presence of avian influenza virus.

• While this is the first time avian influenza virus has been detected in a sheep, it is not the first-time influenza of avian origin has been detected in livestock in other countries. There is no evidence to suggest an increased risk to the nation’s livestock population.

• Influenza of avian origin is a notifiable disease in both kept and wild mammals. Failure to report suspicion is an offence.

• The case definition for influenza of avian origin has been updated and provides further guidance on how and when to report suspicion in mammals.

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Reporting suspicion of avian influenza in poultry, other captive Birds or kept mammals 

• Keepers must keep a close watch on their birds and kept mammals (including pets) for any signs of disease and seek prompt advice from a vet if they have any concerns. 

• Clinical signs indicative of infection with an avian influenza virus must be reported in England to Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact to the local Field Services Office. Failure to do so is an offence. 

• See our guidance for further information: 

• Bird flu (avian influenza): how to spot and report it in poultry or other captive birds - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

• Bird flu: how to keep pets safe - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

• Avian influenza and influenza of avian origin: diagnostic testing, controls and reporting obligations - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

• Influenza A (H5N1) infection in mammals: suspect case definition and diagnostic testing criteria - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) [updated 24 March 2025]

Reporting Suspicion of Influenza of Avian Origin in Wild Mammals

• Avian influenza (bird flu) viruses can also infect mammals.

• Find out how we monitor spill over of avian influenza virus from wild birds to wild mammals in our Avian influenza (bird flu): infection in wild birds and wild mammals - GOV.UK  guidance.

• If members of the public find a dead wild carnivore (e.g. fox, otter, pine marten, stoat, weasel, pole cat, mink) or marine mammal (e.g. seal, dolphin, porpoise, whale) where the cause of death is unknown, or the animal has shown signs of respiratory or neurological disease prior to death they should report it immediately to APHA by calling:

• 03000 200 301 if you’re in England

• 03003 038 268 if you’re in Wales

• your local Field Services Office if you’re in Scotland

• If you examine a wild mammal or a test a sample from a wild mammal and suspect or detect the presence of avian influenza virus or antibodies to avian influenza virus you must report it immediately to APHA using the telephone numbers above. If you do not report it, you’re breaking the law.

• Read our Influenza A (H5N1) infection in mammals: suspect case definition and diagnostic testing criteria - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) for further information.

Reporting Dead Wild Birds

• The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) carries out year-round surveillance of dead wild birds submitted via public reports and warden patrols as part of its wild bird surveillance programme.

• In Great Britain members of the public are encouraged to report findings of dead wild birds using the online reporting system or by calling the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77).

• APHA triages reports and does not collect all birds. They adjust the collection thresholds for dead wild birds for different species to increase or decrease the sensitivity of surveillance.

• APHA and their contractors then collect some of these birds and test them to help us understand what risk posed to poultry and other captive birds is through understanding how the disease is distributed geographically and in different types of wild bird, not all birds will be collected.

• APHA publish a report (updated weekly) on findings of HPAI in wild birds in Great Britain and further information on reports of avian influenza in wild bird in Great Britain and across Europe are available via APHAs outbreak assessments. We are unable to comment on any testing or reports that are not listed at this site as the results will not yet be ready for publication. 

• APHA have also launched a new interactive map of reported wild bird mortality and findings of avian influenza virus (bird flu) in wild birds and wild mammals and an interactive data dashboard of findings of avian influenza virus in wild birds.

• Find out more on disposing of dead wild birds not required for surveillance in our Removing and disposing of dead wild birds - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) guidance.

• Further guidance on wild bird incidents is available through the Mitigation Strategy for Avian Influenza in Wild Birds in England and Wales.