Bird flu has been detected in sheep for the first time in the world, UK experts have announced, although they stress the risk to livestock and the general public is low.

The H5N1 virus was detected in a single animal in Yorkshire, England, after routine testing that was carried out because the flock was kept on a site where avian influenza had previously been found in birds. No other sheep in the flock was found to be infected.

The infected animal has since been culled, with the UK’s chief veterinary officer saying strict biosecurity measures have been implemented to prevent the further spread of disease.

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