Vogel flippation-H5N1 for the first time at sheep in Great Britain!

Vogel flippation-H5N1 for the first time at sheep in Great Britain!

In the UK, the bird flu H5N1 was first demonstrated in a sheep, which triggers new concern about the spread of the virus in animal populations. The pathogen has been spreading under wild birds for years and was also discovered in various mammals, including bears, cats, and even dolphins. While a few infections have been reported to humans in the past, the transmission from person to person has so far remained unconfirmed. According to the UKHSA health authority, the risk of the general population remains very low, even if the WHO classifies the risk of the general population as low, but at the same time indicates the risk of genetic changes in the viruses.

The detection of H5N1 in the sheep was made as part of routine surveillance on a farm in Yorkshire, where cases have previously been found in birds. The British government underlined that this is the first proof of the virus in sheep, while similar cases were previously registered in other countries in farm animals. In response to past H5N1 outbreaks in dairy cows in the USA, the Environment Ministry has reinforced the monitoring of farm animals in these regions in order to identify possible further outbursts at an early stage.

The threat from H5N1

The bird flu, also known as the poultry plague, is one of the highly contagious virus variants and is scientifically classified as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). H5N1 first appeared in China in 1996 and has spread worldwide since then. In Germany, this subtype has dominated wild birds in the last few months. The current epidemic in Europe, which culminated in the summer of 2022 and led to the death or killing of 50 million birds, illustrates the far -reaching effects of the disease.

The virus transmission is primarily done via contaminated areas or by consuming sick birds. Human infections are rare, but usually associated with close contact with infected animals. One of the greatest concerns remains the possibility that the virus will change genetically and spread to humans, which could possibly have pandemic effects.

vaccination strategies and protective measures

In order to contain the spread of the virus, vaccines are available, which are recommended in particular for endangered groups such as veterinarians and employees in animal husbandry. Several pandemic and prepandemic vaccines are approved in the EU. These are developed in particular to protect people who are exposed to increased risk and should be available quickly in an emergency.

In Finland, plans for the vaccination of people with a high risk against bird flu have already been announced. Germany, on the other hand, has not participated in this initiative, but can request the vaccine itself. A cross -country cooperation on the quick availability of vaccines could be crucial in the future to counteract the potential dangers from H5N1

summarized the situation around bird flu remains tense, especially for wild birds and farm animals. Research on the interaction of humans, animals and the environment is just as important as the implementation of hygiene measures and vaccination strategies in order to counteract the potential threats from the virus. Further information about the current location can be left at Krone , , and and vfa